Saturday, January 31, 2009

CLASSIC ALBUM REVIEW - UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT


I wasn't born in the 70's so the Blaxploitation movement just missed me. But that doesn't mean that I ain't hip to it! The Mack, Coffy, Superfly, and Dolemite have all had impression on the kid. The movie Uptown Saturday Night (USN) really isn't a Blaxplotation flick, but it did have elements of the genre. I think Geechie Suede and Sonny Cheba watched all of those movies at least 100 times each. These cats dress, talk, and act like an extra from USN! But, when you take away the crazy threads and the slick talk you are left with two dudes that made a great debut album. Even though Jigga jacked the Feelin' It beat from Ski to use on Reasonable Doubt, Ski still found a whole bunch of tracks that suited the theme of this album well. And to pound the 70's theme down our throat even more, the album cover is a homage to Ernie Barnes' Sugar Shack. I guess it's a simple equation: 70's Blaxploitation Inspired Rappers + Great Producer = Classic Album.

1. Krystal Karrington - This song sets the tone beautifully for what you are about to hear. The beat is actually kinda grimey and had it been given to another artist at that time it could have been down-right gutta! But, Camp Lo's vocals mellow it out a bit. Also you get to hear the type of lyrics that dominate the album. Random phrases and miscellaneous gibberish that makes no sense, but sounds so good!! If we can forgive 'Ol Dirty for doing the same thing, we can give these guys a pass too, right? Hell yeah!

2. Luchini AKA This Is It - The group's biggest hit to date is still a good party record. "This is it. (What?) Luchini pouring from the sky. Lets get rich. (What?) The cheeky vines, the sugar dimes, can't quit (What?) Now pop the cork and steam the vega, and get lit. (What? What? What?) I still don't know what Cheeba was wearing in the video! A colorful scarf and a red denim jacket maybe? But, there is no denying the appeal of this record. The beat still makes you wanna dance and it was designed for a group like them to flow over.

3. Park Joint - Another song with a true hip-hop beat that somehow works with the type of flow Camp Lo uses. Not sure if this was called Park Joint because they wanted people to play it in the park, but the beat is pretty break dance-able! Ski does a good job of finding tracks that are upbeat, but still oh-so hip-hop at the same time.

4. B-Side to Hollywood - Trugoy from De La Soul produces and lends a verse on this track. In his verse he also gives us a peek into his favorite cartoons and what cereal he liked on Saturday morning. That would be Honeycomb cereal in case you were curious. That is what is so good about this album. Everyone involved understands what these cats are about. You can talk about random things because the whole album is random. This beat is also ill!

5. Killin' 'Em Softly - This is a smoother track that the group shines lyrically on. It sounds like they are really talking about robbing somebody on this song, but it's just so hard to believe when they wear ascots and scarfs you may find in your momma's closet! They mention Madam Zenobia from the movie Uptown Saturday Night a few times. That is one of the most ganstressest, (I just made that up) names I've ever heard. That sounds like a lady you really don't wanna mess with!

6. Sparkle - This is probably the beat that Hov wishes he stole! The beat for Sparkle is in my Top 5 for Highway Riding Songs! It is sooooooo smooth it's damn near a jazz cut. The vocals complement the beat perfectly and I can't think of any other artist that would have been better over this track. Okay, maybe Mase.

7. Black Connection - This is the song I like to reference when someone tells me that The Lo can't rap. They killed this ish! Another smooth beat, but Ski added a little grit to the recipe. And a Camp Lo album wouldn't be complete unless you got a Lola Falana reference. An epitome of beauty in the 60's and 70's her name just rolls of the tongue of Sonny Cheba. This may be one of the best lyrical efforts on the album.

8. Swing - This is the joint that was played at the end of the Luchini video when the beat changed. Before I bought the album I was readily anticipating to hear this whole joint. The beat is bananas! Ish, AKA Butterfly, from Digable Planets came out of nowhere to bless the track with a hot verse. "I play my cards Shark-style, Kings and Aces. Welcome to New York the illest of all places." Whew! This beat still thumps and this is probably my favorite track on the album.

9. Rockin' It AKA Spanish Harlem - The Fearless Four version of Rockin' It is one of my favorite early, early hip-hop tracks. This version is also very good. It does have a little, but not a lot, Latin flavor in the track (hence the AKA). But, it's crazy because this is one song where I don't know what they are talking about except for the hook! This is like a 3 and a half minute ad-lib!

10. Say Word - They go in on this track too! I appreciate how they follow up the 'gibberish track' with a 'lyrical track'. It shows diversity! The chorus to this song is also hot. Camp Lo tends to have hooks that are easy to remember and very repeatable. I think that is another reason why this album holds up so well.

11. Negro League - Ergh!!! How did this make the album? It doesn't fit in with the vibe and it just didn't work for me. There are two other cats on here rapping and they add nothing to the song. I think Jeru The Damaja woulda been really good over this track, but not Camp Lo. This is the only song I don't like. NEXT!

12. Nicky Barnes AKA It's Alright - Not a standout track, but this is alright. I don't know how I feel about them naming a song after a guy that the 'hood seems to hate nowadays (Thanx to American Gangster on BET), but Nicky was the man in the 70's. This track fits the vibe of the album really well, but it just doesn't standout too much.

13. Black Nostaljack AKA Come On - What's with all the AKA's for titles??? Oh well. All is forgiven because this video was the best of '97!!! How cool was it that these cats got JJ and Thelma from Good Times to be in video?!?! Thelma was like Lauren London before Lauren London was Lauren London (walk with me). And then they had the red lights at the end of the video. Classic. But, how did they slip a Noxema Jackson reference past me the past 10 years??? I'm late.

14. Coolie High - Ski is sooooooooooo underrated! The first time I heard of Camp Lo was when I saw this video. This was the only non 70's inspired video they did for this album, but the song is extra retro. Besides the obvious (The title), there are so many name drops it sounds like The Game ghost-wrote this joint! This is the song that even you didn't have the album, you know about. "You need to come inside and check Lo, Relax yaself and let the sugar love flow."

15. Sparkle (Mr. Midnight Mix) - This is almost an a Capella. The beat is so minimal all you really here is lyrics. It kinda gives you an appreciation for how well these cats spit. This doesn't really add much to the original and I don't really know how I feel about having a remix on the same album as the original, but it's all good. It's a nice way to end the album.

This album was critically acclaimed and they sold an alright amount of records. But, this is still one of the only albums that has a theme and sticks with it. I like how they went all in with the 70's theme and even somewhat overboard. They created a niche and cornered the market on it. They have had some success since the release of Uptown Saturday Night. They appeared on the track Yes Yes Y'all by Mr. Will Smith. I'm sure they can buy plenty of ascots with the royalties from that album! They did a joint with DJ Honda called Disco T-E-C that was my cut a few years back. Also, the song Gotcha which samples Shoot 'Em Up Movies by The Deele is a straight banger!!! And they shot a video for the newest singe, Lumdi (video below). I really love Lumdi and I am glad to see these cats can still flow and are still embracing the 70's to the fullest! Camp Lo, or The Lo as they are known now, are really good for the rap game. Thanks for Uptown Saturday Night.

The Lo - "Lumdi"


OLD SKOOL VIDEO SPOTLITE - Da Bush Babees - "Remember We"

"Starin' out the window, broke like Mr. Wendel, and nobody knows the troubles that I went through!"


Wise words spoken from one of rap music's most forgotten groups. Da Bush Babees came on the scene in '94 and had some moderate success. They had the reggae element that was big back then with other acts like Mad Lion, Mad Cobra, and all them other "Mad" cats! This is the only video that I can think of that was shot almost entirely on a subway train! I mean they really threw a party on the train!!! I didn't have this album, but it was said that this version of the song, Salaam Remi's Remix, wasn't on the album. I remember running around the house trying to sing this chorus, but having absolutely no idea what the hell I was saying! Da Bush Babees also released an album in 1996 with The Love Song featuring none other than The Mighty Mos Def! Much respect to Da Bush Babees.

Artist Spotlight - Aaradhna


New Zealand is not known as a Mecca for soul singers, but I think they may be on to something. Aaradhna can flat out sing. She doesn't have a powerful voice a la Aretha Franklin, but she has just as good of pipes as any female singer on the Billboard 200. More surprising than her voice, may be the beats on her 2006 debut album, I Love You. Released on the now defunct Dawn Raid Entertainment label, I Love You has something for every mood. Shake is a funky dance groove that will get you out your chair. I'm Never has a sultry vibe and Down Time is a catchy song that could fit in on any urban radio station. But, the gem on the album is Secret Lover. I don't know what language she is singing the hook in, but it doesn't matter. The song is hot. In 2008 she released her second album, Sweet Soul Music, on which she does covers of some Motown classics. And she does them well! She may be my favorite female R&B singer at the moment. She has a few new joints on her MySpace page. Written in Your Eyes and Miss Lovely both sound really nice!! TGFiT......Thank God For iTunes!

My Aaradhna Soundtrack:
Secret Lover
I Love You Too
Down Time
I'm Never
I Want You Back (Jackson 5 cover)

DON'T EAT IT


WTF?!?! They say I can't eat peanut butter. Peanut butter? How does something like this happen? It's safer to smoke a box a Newports than it is to eat a PB&J now? George Washington Carver must be rolling over in his grave after seeing his beloved peanut become America's new Public Enemy #1! It just leapfrogged Osama Bin Laden and Young Jeezy. Damn.

Friday, January 30, 2009

MIDDLE FINGER TO THE WINTER!!!



I just wanted to be the first to say that the Winter months in the Midwest can suck a fat one! This is how the trees looked on my way to work Tuesday. Notice the sheet o' ice that we had to drive on. FUCK! Will the Spring hurry up and get here ASAP. T.I. style ASAP too. That means really damn fast. That's all. I'm done.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

What's the deal???


I am truly happy that I have the opportunity to witness "CHANGE" in the world and receiving the first black President of the United States. I been on three tours to both Iraq and Afghanistan, fighting for change for these people and to come home to see that America has made a decision that goes against everything that they have done in the past, shows that we all have finally admitted that we need to improve our ways of life and  we are actually doing something about it.....It's a beautiful thing man..... At the same time, I am fuc#ing irritated at the way people are now acting because he is black. I mean yes he's black and I'm black but hey white people.., "NO I do not know him"and " NO I do not want him to make chicken the national bird and give discounts on family buckets at KFC." Ya'll some bigot ass mutha fuc#ers and that shyt aint funny.... And Niggas,... "NO I do not think he's will make that much of a difference in four years." That's just fuc#ing ignorant!!! Give the Nigga a break and let him do him, ya'll setting him up for failure.... High ass expectations and shyt...... This man was handed a piece of shyt and ya'll want him to make diamonds out of it, NOT GONNA HAPPEN!!!!

Now on to the Black women of the world, I got a secret..... Michelle Obama is not the President... Got it? I mean for real, I had sooo many women tell me that they had to rush home to see the inauguration to see Michelle, " She's a strong woman and She Bad." Why is she so strong? What has she done that was sooo special? She stuck by her man? That's what the fuc# women are supposed to do, it aint no superwoman type shyt. Fall back on it, step your game up and get ya'll shit right. I am not tryna take nuthin away from Mrs. Obama, dont get me wrong, but women, we have fought so hard to get to this point in our lives and we finally have a Black Man as President. Stand by him.... Do not envy Michelle Obama for where she is or whatever it is you think she did that was so special. Instead look for the qualities in her that would make you envy her and apply them to your life. 

  


Charles Hamilton vs. Serius Jones

Nice sparring session. Cool to see two dudes go at it and not threaten to kill each other at the end. Charles Hamilton might have got him but he had a little slip at the beginning.


Jay-Z "When the Money Goes"



New track rumored for the Blueprint 3.  On first listen its just an average track.  Good not great.  It really does not sound finished yet, like maybe it has yet to be mastered.  Judge for yourself.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Artist Spotlight - U-N-I




The West Coast hasn't had a lot of new artists hit the mainstream in a while. Most of the new cats (Glasses Malone, Bishop Lamont, etc.) haven't crossed over just yet. I'm hoping that U-N-I will reverse that trend. The group consists of members Thurzday and Y-O and they released their debut album Fried Chicken & Watermelon in 2007. Most of the music I've heard from them has been really good. They use a lot of smooth beats that sound great on the highway and they can both spit. I was pleasantly surprised to hear a New Edition sample on the aptly titled, Cool It Now. They are currently working on their next album, A Love Supreme, which should showcase the talent of the group.


My U-N-I Soundtrack
Soul Hop
Cool It Now
Monster
Cali Soul
Beautiful Day (Remix)

http://www.myspace.com/unimuzik

OLD SKOOL VIDEO SPOTLITE - Cash Money Click - "Get Tha Fortune"

Say what you want to about Ja Rule, but he used to be pretty damn good. The pre-Murder Inc. version of Ja was 1/3 of the hip-hop group Cash Money Click. They were signed to TVT Records back in '94 and "Get Tha Fortune" was their first video effort. The beat was kinda ill and Ja's aggressive, hype verses show why Irv Gotti made him the centerpiece of his new label. Nothing groundbreaking with the lyrics or video, but it's a solid effort.

Cash Money Click - "Get Tha Fortune"



Sunday, January 25, 2009

It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you...

"Hello new world, here we come on them twinkie tres, with the hood screaming 'We're on our Way"-Clipse

What's up everyone out in the blogosphere?  It's ya boy B. choppin it up for the first time on the chop up.  I'm the fourth member of the chop up family and now that the cipher is complete... you know what it is!  
Seriously though the plan right now is I will be sort of the devil's advocate of the crew.  I love Rocky(mad love for defending our country), T-Smitty, and DMack to death, but we don't always share the same opinion.  So in between my own posts I am gonna provide the counter-point to the blog.  So relax and take notes, as I get my Skip Bayless on.  

"And if you don't know, now you know, n!##@!"-Notorious B.I.G.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

My President is STILL Black and I Don't Think Bill Likes It One Bit!!!!




Okay now I'm mad! We posted the original video earlier this week and I guess Bill got his hands on it too. How is this concert bringing the country apart? How is this rap damaging to the black community? Because they used the N-word? The F-word? Clearly Mr. O'Reilly and Mr. Miller do not view this the same way that reasonable people will. The majority of the country is ecstatic the Bush is gone! We had to endure and suffer through 8 years of bad policy and bad decisions. And we had to just watch the way that he carried himself throughout his tenure in office. I know I never said to myself "Yes, that is what a President should be. He is the best man for the job!" So excuse us if we want to cuss and yell for the simple fact that he is out and the man replacing him looks like us. And it doesn't matter if Barack "approves" of what Jay and Jeezy said. I'm sure Jay's momma doesn't "approve" of him saying a lot of things. But, he is a grown man and has the right to use those words if he wishes. Neither Jay nor Jeezy talked about killing or doing any type of harm to Mr. Bush. This is not an act that requires a segment on a Prime time news show. If you need material I'm sure there are plenty of New Orleans "refugees" that would love to holla at ya Bill! But, look on the bright side. At least Bill thinks Jay is a "sane" individual. I'm sure Hov worked his whole life for that kind of back-handed compliment. GTFOH!!!!!

Monday, January 19, 2009

My President Is Black!


Jay-Z My President is black Remix LIVE 1-18-09 from pleasedontstare on Vimeo.

Jay goes in on this one!  I can't wait to here an official version of this.

A Change Is Gonna Come!


Barack Obama "Change Gonna Come" feat B.o.B, Charles Hamilton and Asher Roth from TJ Chapman on Vimeo.

Definitely some dope stuff from some talented, somewhat newcomers to the game.  B.o.B.'s "I'll Be in the Sky" is some good stuff too.  If you don't know, definitely check it out.

Artist Spotlight - Idle Warship




It appears that any group that Talib Kweli is associated with becomes a Supergroup. First, Talib, Mos Def, and Hi-Tek made a classic with Black Star. Then, he and Hi-Tek went the duo route and blessed us with Reflection Eternal. This time he must've just said "Fuck It, I wanna do some new shit!" So he, soul singer Res, and singer/rapper Graph Nobel formed the collective known as Idle Warship. I've been a fan ever since I heard Industry Diary and it seems like they keep putting out hot music. Some of it is party music (Black Snake Moan), some is hip-hop (Fall Back), and some is non-classifiable HOT SHIT (Screamin' feat. MC Chris.) The video for Black Snake Moan recently dropped and it seems like they have a lot of fun with this group. The album should be dropping soon so make sure you check them out.


My Idle Warship Soundtrack:
Black Snake Moan
Fall Back
Industry Diary
Screamin' feat. MC Chris
Pull It Out feat. Dapa Flex

http://www.myspace.com/idlewarship

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Patiently Waiting....






































Drake and Wale have mixtapes coming out soon, hopefully.  So be on the lookout for them. They are definitely two of my favorite artists right now.  I'm feeling a lot of the stuff they have been doing and I know it's going to be fire!  Although, Wale and 9th look like the black Ambiguously Gay Duo on the cover.


Friday, January 16, 2009

OLD SKOOL VIDEO SPOTLITE - Jasmine Guy - "Just Want to Hold You"

OH BOY I USED TO LOVE ME SOME WHITLEY!!! This song actually did pretty well and charted on the Billboard Singles chart back in '91. I guess she was able to take some time off from annoying everyone at Hillman and seducing Eddie Murphy in Boomerang to record an album. I don't think anyone actually bought it, but she gets an A for effort! The video is pretty low-budget, but it's 10x better than that shit Tisha Campbell called a video for her, um, hit song Push. In 1991, Jasmine also realesd Try Me and Another Like My Lover from her self-titled album. I'm glad she stuck with acting because Whitley Gilbert>>>>>>>>Jasmine Guy.

Jasmine Guy - "Just Want to Hold You"



Thursday, January 15, 2009

Monday, January 12, 2009

BUDDEN VS. VLAD moderated by Angela Yee

SMH at Joey getting the dictionary definition of "journalism." And no matter how hard he tries to talk his way around it, Vlad is a platform for BEEF!!! Point blank. And can we please get Angela Yee on somebody's TV show!!! I mean if these "VJ's" on BET and MTV can bore us for a half hour, why not Ms. Yee. She is the most interesting personality on Shade 45. I guess until that happens I'll have to keep watching Terence and Rocsi. Damn.


Drake performing in Miami - Lil' Wayne's I AM MUSIC TOUR

It's sad, but I really think the only reason to go to a Weezy concert would be to hear Drake do a few guest verses. Oh and to see Nikki Minaj run around stage waiting for a boob to pop out! Yeah that's about it.


Sunday, January 11, 2009

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Public School

Complex.com named Public School their favorite brand of 2008. Here is an interview they did with the designers Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne. I am definitely looking foward to see what they have to offer this year.





D Mack's Top 10 Songs of 2008

In my opinion, these songs were the best of 2008. I'm sure you can tell which cd's stayed in my rotation the most in 2008. I know it is late but here it is.....

  1. You Know What-N.E.R.D
  2. The Plan-Wale
  3. Drake's verse on Ransom-Drake ft. Lil Wayne
  4. Day N Nite- Kid Cudi
  5. Paranoid- Kanye West
  6. Gladiator- Common ft. Pharrell
  7. Artistic Integrity- Wale
  8. Lollipop(Remix)- Lil Wayne ft. Kanye West
  9. Brooklyn Girls- Charles Hamilton
  10. Everyone Nose- N.E.R.D

Honorable Mention:

Don't Touch Me- Charles Hamilton

Punch Drunk Love- Common ft. Pharrell

Addiction- Ryan Leslie ft. Cassie and Fabolous

Thursday, January 8, 2009

OLD SKOOL VIDEO SPOTLITE - Special Generation - "Love Me Just For Me"

Nothing like an obscure early 90's R&B cut to get you over Hump Day!!! Special Generation was here........and then Special Generation was gone. They blessed us with two moderate hits in "Spark of Love" and "Love Me Just For Me" before they decided to fall the fuck off the earth. But, "Love Me Just For Me" was my jam back in the day and I can still do my two-step to this joint! Gumby fades and suits that HAD to be purchased at Merry-Go-Round make this a prime example of what an early 90's R&B video should be!! But who's idea was it to make the two little white kids the main characters of this shit? Was that an attempt to get these Negroes on MTV?? Idk. Billy and Becky just stick out like a sore thumb. Poor kids. Long live the Gumby!!!!

Special Generation - "Love Me Just For Me"



Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Artist Spotlight - Tanya Morgan

Tanya Morgan is not a new group by any means, but they are most definitely an under appreciated one. Two of their members (Ilyas and DonWill) are from the 'Nati while Von Pea hails from Brooklyn. The group is a regular at hip hop festivals and have been featured in both XXL and The Source magazines. Their new album, The Bridge EP, is in stores as I write this. Give a listen and do yourselves a favor.

My Tanya Morgan Soundtrack:
You Already Know feat. Naledge - Tanya Morgan is a Rap Group (Mixtape)
Cuddle Bums (88-Keys and Tanya Morgan) - Adam's Case Files: The Mix Tape
Hip Hop Is Dead II - The Bridge EP
Got 2 Get Done - The Bridge EP

http://www.myspace.com/tanyamorgan



Sunday, January 4, 2009

D-Mack Is One Year Older...........

We here at The Chop Up would like to give a BIG Happy Birthday shoutout to one of our own. Congrats D-Mack. You ain't gettin' older, just better, kid!!!

Happy Birthday Pictures, Images and Photos