Alphacat (as Barack Obama) - "Whatever I Like"

I was hesitant to post this video earlier because I couldn't tell if it was really funny or really lame. Ayo, I don't know what was wrong with me because this is HILARIOUS!!!! "No more shady healthcare, you can get what I get!" Don't let the fact that dude looks like Drake throw you off. Pure comedy.

REALLY?!?!?!?!?

"She looks nothing like I looked back then. We have NO similarities.” - Lil' Kim

According to Vibe Magazine and HipHopDX, Lil' Kim was not too happy with the selection of Naturi Naughton to play her in the biopic Notorious. Ms. Voletta Wallace claims that Kim felt Naturi was too...um....dark...to play her. Vibe reports that there were rumors that Kim wanted Christina Milian to play her in the movie. Christina Milian? Really???










I see the resemblance! Anyway, Naturi did her thing (in more ways than one) in the movie and represented the Big Momma well. Hopefully Kim and Ms. Wallace call a truce soon. Charli Baltimore was his girl at the time of his death and couldn't even get a footnote! She has a real beef!

The Steelers Reign Supreme!

Too much Big Ben. Too much Santonio Holmes. The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 Sunday night for their 6th, yes 6th, Super Bowl Championship. Personally, I was rooting for the Cardinals, but I'm a Mike Tomlin fan so I wasn't too disappointed. I'm not going to write a game summary, (you can watch Sportscenter for that) instead I'll just make a few quick points. Even though I'm not a Steelers fan I wanted to give Steeler Nation a big shout out. These people travel all over the country to root for their team. And they waive those damn towels 'til their arms hurt. They have THE best fans of any professional sport team. Hands down. I also wanted to show some love to The Rooney Family. They run their organization extremely well and keep the team competitive all the time. Also, Mike Tomlin became the second African-American coach to win a Super Bowl and the youngest coach of any color to win The Big One. Major props to Mr. Tomlin!!

I also wanted to shout-out Kurt Warner, Ken Whisenhunt, and the Man-Child that is Larry Fitzgerald. They were huge underdogs in both the line and in people's minds. They played a sloppy first half and a great second half. Just not great enough. I have a feeling with a team this young, they will be representing the NFC in the Super Bowl again very soon.

Overall, the game was crazy exciting at the end and it rivaled the 4th quarter excitement from last year's game between The New York Giants and MY New England Patriots. This was a big win for the NFL on all fronts. Let's hope the remaining NBA season can keep our attention until September rolls around again. GO STEELERS!!!

Ryan Leslie "How it was supposed to be"

Ryan Leslie is a very talented singer/songwriter/producer.  His claim to fame thus far is discovering Cassie(now signed to Bad Boy).  Anyone who can give a suspect singer like Cassie a smash hit with "Me and You" has to be the truth.  His album drops Feb. 10th, and from what I have heard is well worth the purchase.  Check out the new single "How it was supposed to be".
How It Was Supposed To Be (Military Version) from Ryan Leslie on Vimeo.

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)

http://www.myspace.com/aaradhna

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.

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.

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.