CultStatus

Hyphy Overkill?

2005-09-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

Get Hyphy, Hyphy,Hyphy, Hyphy,Hyphy, Hyphy,Hyphy, Hyphy,Hyphy, Hyphy,Hyphy, Hyphy,Hyphy, Hyphy,Hyphy, Hyphy,Hyphy, Hyphy,Hyphy, Hyphy,Hyphy, Hyphy,Hyphy, Hyphy,Hyphy, Hyphy,Hyphy, Hyphy,Hyphy, Hyphy,Hyphy, Hyphy,Hyphy, Hyphy,Hyphy, Hyphy,Hyphy, Hyphy, etcetera

Keak tha Sneak - Hyphie ft. Bra Heff (credit: DubCNN.com)

1) Can "Hyphy" (or any trend/style for that matter) be taken too far at one point?
(ed note: I mean, I'm sure Lil Jon had a song that had about 3000 "Krunks" up in it, but repetition is more par for the course with Jon's music. It's about chanting, building up a proud-to-be-ignorant vibe. What does successive "Hyphy's" do for us though? Gives me a headache, that's what.)
2) Being from Oakland myself, I secretly don't want the nation to know that THERE AIN'T SHIT CONTSTRUCTIVE TO DO THERE (See my previous "sideshow" post). I mean this in the most compassionate way. When I first heard Tee Shirt, Blue Jeans, and Nikes, I was excited to hear Keak describe a random day the town, but now I hear it on every song. I know it's played, but "go to LA", take a road trip to Vegas, ATL, KC, anywhere!!
Ex(3rd Verse):
I'm in a dopefiend-rental tryna' paint the town
Four-speed honda civic, and I'm breakin' it down
One headlight, plus I'm ridin' a spare
Thermomoter say "100"(degrees), but I'm takin' there
...Coke-white tee-shirt, blue jeans, and Air-Max
Came up High Street, Stopped on Fairax (hey, that's my hood!!)

Again, in moderation, it's sick, but ramblin' about "ridin the strip" in every track is arguably overkill. I'm just sayin' though.

3) As previously stated 'round these parts, I wish the Bay would just market itself better, especially on video. I'm still embarassed by the SuperHyphy video: black and white footage of a drill team dancing on a set? Where's the town? Where's the Thizzin, Giggin, and Goin' Stoopid? Sell that Yay Culture! That's what Houston is doing. I could care less about '84 with the gold toes pokin out in 2005, but Paul Wall and them make me interested through salesmanship.

And just because I liked the visual I got when I heard the following line, I share this with you:

"A hunned-thousand doobies in the ashtray.." (Keak tha Sneak - What Does It All Mean ft. Tyquan) (credit: WestCoast2K.net)

Question from any Non Bayestrians that listen to this: Can you understand Keak tha Sneak at all? Somewhat? 50%? Just the Hooks? He's one of the hardest to decipher artist's you'll find. But it's nearly always worth deciphering.

"Domino!, you HIV Positive ass niggas."

2005-09-08T06:23:00.000-07:00

Hi. I'm back bitches. All my love to LA, AL, and MS.

Smoke Dope and Rap by Dre Dog (aka Andre Nickatina)

Peep a Dope Nickatina Interview over @ STRIVIN.

Find out why he doesn't even care if you heard of him. He's got like rap morals and stuff. On the fa rizzle my nizzle.

The Disaster in the Southeast is BEYOND terrible. Please Read.

2005-08-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

I want all eight of my blog readers to read Bomani's great write up on the situation.

If you haven't been following, he published a post that didn't directly mock the flooding, but it was humorous in nature, the only offensive part being his suggestion that Houston was going to be overran withe "Whodies" (New Orleans Locals). Upon interacting with someone personally affected, he thought wiser of his humorous post, and wrote an analysis from the heart.

Please go there and read it. If you comment, he'll likely respond beneath your comment.

Thanks Bomani.

Link: CLICK HERE

Red Cross is 1800-Help-Now

Personally, I want to take in perhaps a small family in an extra bedroom I have (Atlanta), but I may end up supporting the makeshift shelters they are setting up here in ATL. This from a person who rarely goes beyond a buck here, some change there, in my attempt to help people.

I encourage all eight of you to do something, anything. Al Sharpton was on the Tom Joyner radio show this morning, and he did make a great point: The Best need to help The Rest.

(and I usually don't feel Sharpton like that, but his point is 100% correct)

They Lootin'!!!

2005-08-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

The looting has begun in the NO y'all, or as Bomani calls it; "Whoadieland". (Couldn't it be "beeeebyville" too? Every 30 and up woman I've ever met in the N.O has called me the longest, drawn out, accented "beeeeeeebeey" without fail. Just a thought Bo.)

Anyway, peep the skit:

Looting Begins in New Orleans
By ALLEN G. BREED
> Associated Press Writer
>
NEW ORLEANS — With much of the city emptied by Hurricane Katrina, some opportunists took advantage of the situation by looting stores.

At a Walgreen's drug store in the French Quarter, people were running out with grocery baskets and coolers full of soft drinks, chips and diapers.

When police finally showed up, a young boy stood in the door screaming, "86! 86!" — the radio code for police — and the crowd scattered.

Denise Bollinger, a tourist from Philadelphia, stood outside and snapped pictures in amazement.

"It's downtown Baghdad," the housewife said. "It's insane. I've wanted to come here for 10 years. I thought this was a sophisticated city. I guess not."

Around the corner on Canal Street, the main thoroughfare in the central business district, people sloshed headlong through hip-deep water as looters ripped open the steel gates on the front of several clothing and jewelry stores.

One man, who had about 10 pairs of jeans draped over his left arm, was asked if he was salvaging things from his store.

"No," the man shouted, "that's EVERYBODY'S store."

Looters filled industrial-sized garbage cans with clothing and jewelry and floated them down the street on bits of plywood and insulation as National Guard lumbered by.

Mike Franklin stood on the trolley tracks and watched the spectacle unfold.

"To be honest with you, people who are oppressed all their lives, man, it's an opportunity to get back at society," he said.

Top Quotes:
Gold) "No," the man shouted, "that's EVERYBODY'S store." -Unnamed Freedom Fighter/Liberator
Silver) "86! 86!" -Unnamed Smartest Ninja in the N.O.
Bronze) "I thought this was a sophisticated city. I guess not." -Unnamed Dobalina

I need some E-Groupies

2005-08-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

So, This is what I look like. (I'm on the left, or the right, depending if you sittin on your azz, or your head).

And Yes, we are makin' a comeback.

Boris Kodjoe anyone?

Happenings Vol 1.

2005-08-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

Spider (whose face I've never seen), somehow becomes a little less sexy today.

Do NOT Discuss Amongst Yourselves. As a matter of fact, I hope I can get this out my head before Church on Sunday. Not that I'll be there, but I'd hate to be having thoughts of beastiality while Service be jumpalating and stuff.

...and Hilarity Ensued:

2005-08-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

Spotted @ GoldenFiddle:

"The Fall 2005 Jennifer Lopez Collection: Clothes for the woman with no dignity, who is also blind."

And yes, this really is some ugly shyt. Even for couture/high fashion.

http://fashion.myway.com/look/id/look|3|7361.html

"We gon put a wig on a pig and watch it gig"

2005-08-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

It's Official - Golden State Warriors (Saafir, Ras Kass, Xzibit) but really it's Saafir and some other (Hobo Junction?) dude.

(and YES, that's the hardest looking Saafir Pic I could google up)

Shout out to Serg @ Beer and Rap for this one. Yay all day.

"I'm a Bayestrian"
-Mistah F.A.B.

Chillin' on my SoapBox

2005-08-10T04:20:00.000-07:00

You wanna free Africa?, I'll stare at ya. Cuz we ain't got it too good in America.

Endangered Species - Ice Cube ft. Chuck D

That real revolutionary rap.

...Brooklyn Goin out to All...

Ecstasy - Ohio Players

Who used this song as a sample source better? BIG and Jay Z, or old school 415?

...shyt, the west coast barely know the name of our band, that's why I spit enough heat to give a ninja a tan...

The Essence - The Lox (Alchemist Produced)

Why do y'all be hating on the Lox, calling out their lack of street cred and so on . Saigon really went out on a limb to hate on Jada's authenticity, which sounded decidedly teh hater to me. Hatin' Azz, Contradictory Interview.
Excerpt (Hating in bold, my comments in italics)

Cedric Muhammad: Yeah. I hope to see that. Now here is the last one I saved it for a reason, depending upon your answer. Jadakiss.

Saigon: Jadakiss. Now here’s another one who is like 50 Cent to me. (Saigon sighs). This dude has a voice. He could touch so many people. I love the dude, he could have people following him and he could lead people in the right direction. But he’s confused. He don’t know if he wants to be a gangster, a thug, or a person who is like, ‘Why are we living in these f---ed up conditions?’(who tho hell is he to tell another man what to do? TD Jakes??) When he makes a song like ‘Why?’, your next song should be some solutions. Let’s try to change this. When you go from one aspect (songs like ‘Why?’) to the next – I’m a gangster, I’ll shoot you, I’ll kill you, especially when you never even really shot nobody and never really lived that life. Because I know Dee and Wah (the founders of the Ruff Ryders label that signed Jadakiss). I know Dee. Dee is my friend. I know Jabbar. The dudes who really are the Ruff Ryders – the dudes that get busy in the streets. It ain’t the artists. If these dudes (the artists) do something they are just doing it to try and prove a point. (Saigon: able to blow grown men and severely hate on others, simultaneously!) You are not doing it because that’s what’s in your heart. You don’t become a thug at the age of thirty years old. That don’t happen. You don’t become a thug at 28 years old. When you are a thug, you are thuggin’ from young. You are the kid who fights on the bus. You are the kid who is always in some shit. (when parents and adults are like), ‘I don’t want you with that kid. (laughter). That’s the kid I was. (is that what all this hatin is about ? Why you mad doggie? You mad that Jada's on-wax persona is similar to your real life?Hater.) That’s the man I don’t want to be. So when a grown man is talking about, ‘I’m thugging and I’m gangster’- you are lying, man. Because I lived that, I went that route and I have seen the harsh realities of living that life and no man wants to live like that!Cedric Muhammad: Now, that is exactly why I raised the question, because I felt the sentiment that you expressed toward Jadakiss in what I read earlier and I also saw some balance in how you were portraying him. Let me bring it up like this. Because Jadakiss has that gift – he has the charisma and the voice and the talent to reach people; and he also is obviously sensitive.(wow dude.) Jay-Z is definitely like that (meaning he's "sensitive" too? this ain't even cute Mr. Saigon)

(This whole following piece is bold, because it's nonstop hating. )

You can never knock somebody for talking about their experiences. You just can’t do that, because this person went through it. But when a person who never, ever been through nothing comes and tries to speak on something that they have never been through and they talk about it like they really know about it, like, ‘Respect me, we are the streets!’ and you grew up like, with your mother and father taking good care of you, and you never even stayed out past twelve o’clock, it don’t make sense. Because you got little kids who see this and love Jadakiss and they are like, ‘Yo, you know Jada has been in the streets so f—k it, it is alright for me to be in the streets, cause look at where he is at now.’ Come on, that ain’t real, man! That's not reality. And so it is up to you to be responsible to your people, as a Black man. That is what’s wrong with us. We don’t have no structure. They don’t have to worry about getting checked by nobody, when they go in and make these records. Nobody is going to put them on blast and be like, ‘Look at this kid. This guy is talking this gangster shit and he don’t even got a rap sheet. He never been through nothing. He never even had a fight in school.’
(end)

Man, can the Lox, just be the Lox? That generic Deniro/Pacino movie set to music is what they do, deal with it. Quit trying to authenticate and then hate. Man I feel like Serg; very blunt. Quit being a pansy azz, attention craving, overly outspoken, contradictory little female.

And then to talk all that jazz about "Lil Kim is ruining the girls" and turn around and put out righteous poetry like this for the youth:

I don't want to love, I just want to penetrate. Have you bringin' drugs up and down the interstate

I'm Gone - Saigon

I'm not even touching that righteous chorus.

Trapped In The Closet For Dummies

2005-08-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

(Via BomaniJones.com Good look)

http://www.somethingawful.com/articles.php?a=3100

Bay Catch Up

2005-08-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

Inspired by some of the other BayBloggers, I just want to raise the overall awareness regarding some Bay Knocks. So, Yes, it's random, but it also knocks.

The Delinquents -Alleyway
The Delinquents remind me of Fat Joe, in that it's real easy to dismiss the quality of their (Fill in the Blank) music, flow, etc... but nobody wants to tell them that to their face. That's because just like Fat Joe in NY, The Delinquents basically are Oakland. And just like Joe, you are likely to see them at any and every hoodtastic function. You can catch group member Vidal in the wildly popular Hood to Hood DVD (Vol.1). So, if you like Jeezy becuase you really believe his stories of being a hood pharmacist, the Delinquents are for you. Numskull from the Luniz is on here too.. They may have still been the LuniToons @ this time. Anyway, this song is Vintage bay.. Keep on ice.

Husalah (of the MobFigaz) - Since '88 (From Mac Dre Presents Thizz Nation Vol. 1)
This song came to me via my young cuz Tay from the Yay, who moved to ATL @ 17, where his mom bought a house for him and his older (21) brother to live in, rent-free, parent-free, etc.. Well... Tay was back in the Yay about ONE month later. I guess the Yay was callin' Tay. Anyhoo, how about them Yankees?
Seriously, he had all this Mac Dre music, and I got sprung. This song came off the above album, which was much more of a mixtape than an album. So, I gotta go, but this is Husalah over Juvenile's Bounce Back beat.. and he KILLS it in my opinion.

Here's the original too: Juvenile - Bounce Back

Holler.

And yes Hana, this is what I was working on w/ the headphones Sunday!

One Time Gaffled 'Em Up

2005-08-08T08:54:00.000-07:00

"Of course you can trust me to manage your money, look how long and blonde my hair is!!"

I haven't seen this anywhere else (except in the NYTimes), so I'll repost it here. Apparently the lady pictured above; Gabrielle T. Smith, has a lot of explaining to do. She was a money manager to the stars so to speak, but seems to have only been truly concerned with making sure X amount of money managed to get into her swiss bank accounts. Affected clients may include DJ Clue, Faboulous, Jay Z, Beyonce, Murder Inc, etc....

Link above.

Somethin' New

2005-08-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

Camron- Something New (Request)

Grand Daddy I.U. - Something New (The Original)

Danked out with the Cotton Mouth, Blow Up Your House

2005-08-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

Before I' m Kmart-ed up out of this here jobby job, let me post some of my fav media files, and just random shyt I'm sure most of you don't have, and ain't heard.

Video:
MF Doom Ft. Kurious -Video- "?" (Question)
This is that song where they both reminise/eulogize their lost family members, K-Knit and Subroc. Doom also takes his mask off near the end, which probably gave DJ Haze and his elk a stiffy. Some cool Dr. Doom cartoon footage at the end too. Anybody have the video for Daytona 500 by Ghost? I love the raps with Speed Racer Cartoon. Thanks.

Unknown Actors -Video- "Restaurant"
1st, it's Nuckin Futs. 2nd, Apparently it's some kinda public service announcment (if that made you think of Jigga, you're Ghey) about Dometstic Violence.. If I tell anymore,I'd ruin it. Check this out Fa Sho. Bol would like this gauranteed, no Tig.
Does anyone have any of those old "From the Mormons, the church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints" Commercials???? The baseball one and the lamp one stand out. Hook it up of you got em.

Redman/MTV (ooga booga Electric ladyland!!) -Video - Cribs Episode
NUFF SAID. (.RAR File) (request this one, taking too long to upload!)

MO Doom:
I Hear Voices - Video
Deadbent - Video

I also have trapped in the closet whole movie, Jay Z dead prez video, jayz/jazzo originators video, vince carter dunking over the seven ft 2 guy, etc.. scream at me for em.

Coming Right back w/ some weekend music for you Gangsters.

A Random Party of Five

2005-08-04T04:20:00.000-07:00

Rap, Blog, Bay Blog, Finna, Town, ESO, Hyphy, Hyphie, Thuggin, Thizzin, Yadidamean, Extra Mannish, Sohab, Stoopid, Dumb, Gully, No Homo, What it Do?, What it Dew, What it Don't Do?

(Gosta get them googlers, pardon the list)

Force MD's - Tender Love what.do.you.know.about.this?

Del tha Funkee Homosapien - We Gon' Win(?) (From CaliComm album)

Del is as good, or better than your favorite indy-type lyricist. Be it Doom, Slug, Murs, or any other Heiro dudes. Waiting for the argument to ensue. This song is 100% perfect. Prove me wrong, I dare you.

Hey you, yeah YOU, HEY BYTCH, you got a mothaphukken Monkey on yo back!!!

Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!!Whoop Dat Trick!!! (get 'em).

"I ain't no stinkin' cow!, I'm a BUF-FA-LO BYTCH!!!

CultStatus, we give you love baby, not romance...

Five of the Sickest-Westside Edition

2005-08-01T16:19:00.000-07:00

In no particular order, here are five of my favorites on the mic, (not my favorite 10) at the top of their games:

Name: MC Eiht (Aaron Tyler) - Evidence: Goin' Out Like Geez
Name: Keak da Sneak (Keak Jones?) - Evidence: Hit 'Em Where It Hurts
Name: Daz Dillinger, Dat Nigga Daz (Delmar Arnaud) - Evidence: This Is Not Over 'til We Say So
Name: E-40 (Earl Stevens) - Evidence: Da BumbleTha Jacka (??) - Evidence: Barney (More Crime)
Kurupt (Ricardo Brown) - Evidence : How Many Ni__ Wanna Ride 2Nite? (2nd and 4th verses)

I'll do Five from the East, Five from the South, and Five from Mars (alternative type rappers) for the next few days.

Hidin' them yams at my Auntie house!

2005-07-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

Young Jeezy. AKA Jeezy Da Snowman.

Your boy is blowing up something big down south, causing heated debates up north, and my friends still on the block in Oakland (We call 'em "spots", you call 'em "traps") are asking me about him too.

I saw him cut thru the Chevron at North ave and Boulveard in the 'Rari around the time So Icy came out. He was very local then, now he's bonafide nationwide and growing.

I read today that people are calling him the new Pac, which I feel is totally offbase. Pac was a trained artist (Acting, Dance, etc), with a social awareness and he EVENTUALLY became enamred with (and lived to an extent) the "gangsta" lifestyle.

Jeezy on the other hand, is according to himself and others, has a more straightforward story: Drug Hustler > Rapper.

I've been cathing glimpses of his material for a couple of months here in ATL, and I'm about 75% feeling it, yet 100% supportive of him getting his from the Tall Israelis and suburban kids that run, and fuel Rap music.

I'd suggest that all he really wants from the black consumer is respect, hood cred, etc, because that will translate into more sells from those who actually buy albums these days.

Anyway, in the order that they came onto my hardrive/attention, I'll share some of my favs.

Shout out to all the dedicated bloggers (fuck a link, google em if you ain't know):

Am I High?
Catch it and scratch it
From the Polo Fleece
Bol
Hyphie
Evil Empire (Cubanlinks)
Futurism ain't shit
Lemon Red
Noz
T Havas
G and W
Shrimp Boys
Matt in Houston
Sinsurr
Broke BBoys
Spinemag
DubCnn
ETC....

Without further chatter: Track, Synopsis, Repeat:

(Just cuz I can, I'm going to write in nearly incoherent, Gel and Weave style, Run On Sentences)

WE GETTIN MONEY OVER HERE (or so I chose to call it)

Slappin. comes in on some 3-6 mafia sounding tip, u know that "whorunit" song.Got the guest mc of 2005,bun b up on it too. very listenable, kinda crossover thug rap. quotable: "She say she like my demeanor, between you and me, I think she diggin my beemer".

GUESS WHO'S BACK

Comes in hella regal-like, that's regal as in a King, not as in Regal. Obviously in the same vein as Face/Jigga collabo of the same name, but more just telling who he is, and doing his infectious "Yyyeeeaaaaahhhhh" on the doubles it sounds. Very good marketing right ther, creating a sort of a trademark.. The "Aaaaayyyy"s are pretty memorable too. quotable: "now whot the fuck wanna play with guns?, alot of holes, alot of blood dog, the shit ain't fun." Did I mention them "Yyyyyyeeeaaaaaaaahhhhh"s?

Quit Actin' Ft. Jagged Edge

Very non-annoying for a (likely) Jazzy Pha track. A good attempt at showing some versatilty, and speaking to the ladies a lil bit. TI proved that this sort of track can crossover well and get rotation from the women and the men. Reminds me of "A freak though", the TI/Pharrel combo. Not quite as polished lyrically, but the beat is good enough to carry it. Quotable : None. I'm not about to quote him talking about personally having sex. I have a hard time with another man's sexual adventures detailed in raps. Talk about what SHE looks like, what you did in vague terms, I just don't need no visual of any rapper actually doin the 'do. The yin yang twins understand this implicit rule LEAST OF ALL.

STREET NIGGAZ

I have this named "Street Ninjas" in my cpu, I guess I was feeling real Dobalina fearing the day I uploaded the album, hence the safe naming. The "gan,gan,gangsta" sample on here is very catchy. I'd be interested in knowing who made the beat. quotable: " Dude never smile, ain't shit funny. Jeezy Maguire, now show me the money." This is some smooth, thinking gangster's music.

Air Forces

I was just informed via the blog world that the out-west/down-south tendency to call a certain type of sneaker "Air Force One", is basically laughed or at least sneered at by the Up-North types, who have for year called "Uptowns". Ok, if you say so. But does "Uptowns" rhyme with "Drop-top Porsches"? There you have it. quotable: "I'm standin' over the stove, like the chef at Houston's". (A pretty popular restaurant here in ATL, wood fire grill, etc.. I've seen em in Manhattan and San Francisco also. Y'all got em? No? Well you miss the visual, because the chef's area is prominently displayed to the entire resaurant. Them chefs be cool too. Now them hostesses? No comment, other than miss me with that hostess shit. Speaking of which:

Miss Me With That Rap Shit

A short mix tape banger (black bill gates), more of a public service announcment than an actual song. The point being to let these rappers know that he's a street nigga/hustler first, and a rapper like eighty-fifth. Even though it's short, it's banging. You know how you have that older cousin/brother that gives you clues how to act as a man? Deon was that cousin for me: everything he said or did was instantly cool to me. Like when he walked around saying "miss me with that ___ shit" for about two months, and then I proceded to incorporate it into my jr. high slang for about 2 years. He also warned about women who are only interested in being "phone friends". I don't fool with them broads. See me in person or miss me with that phone shit. This reminds me of that. quotable: "I'm a real nigga, nothing like these other guys. And I'm the best bitch until you show me otherwise (That's Rrrriiiiiggghhhhhhht). The "Aaaaaayyys" on here are patent pending too.

Just got the retail version today, via Canal St. I will throw up some tomorrow, but not gut the album. Unlike the tall israelis, I want dude to sell. Not just get it poppin on these internets.

*My G/W style didn't come out too well, how do they write like that?

Some other cuts I like (pre Retail) that I don't feel like writing about:

Grey Goose (AllStar ft. Young Gotti and Jeezy) -"Do I know You? No!!!!"

This inspired me to name a new drink; The Jeezy: "I'm on that Grey Goose, Cranberry, and that Pineapple. And I'll bust ya shit like aPineapple.". LOL (I prefer Ketel One, but you get the point).

Everytime (Err'time?)

"Wasn't smoking purple then, it was more like Bobby Brown". Tell me about it.

Get Ya Mind Right - From the 1st Trap or Die mix. I think. What it do?

And one sneak off the Retail (or so I was told):

Don't Get Caught "Just got done burning, so I know he smell the smoke". Tell me about it (X2).

Final Thoughts: Dude is very funny and personable, that will carry him far in this industry. He is much more skillful and artful about dropping names that are currently very pop-culturish, ex: White tees like franchise, etc.., basically the complete opposite of Game (who he shouts out a few times. He's been working with Juelz aand Dipset too, which can't be bad for gaining a Cult Following. Today I read this.

Thanks for reading..Yyyyyyeeeeahhhhhh!!!!!

2005-05-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

Zip up your lip, before your lip zip you up

What's up my beatiful Blog People?

This is a new homemade mix I stirred up; on some current Down South Tip.

I'm down bottom in the ATL, so sometimes you need these current local songs slumpin' in ya' whip. Not to be condescending, but while you may LIKE the tracks, young Shontouria from zone 3 phukkin' LOVES them, something ridonkulous! Instant Co-Op**!!(See Below)

Probably about 50% of these tracks come courtesy of the new BeSouth 3 Mixtape from the Webmaster over @ CUBAN LINKS. It's called Revenge of The South (Sith) on some Star Wars theme. So when you hear R2D2 and C3PO on the track intro, IT'S NOT THE HAZE MAN, it's the damn CD. Don't TWEEK.

Also, CombatJack and the talented 10th are really getting on my nerves this week. Check for your boy (Dame) up in them thar commentaries section.

The HoodMade Mix: SoIgnant Vol 1.0: http://s40.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1HAK9S5NRZIMS3208WV2A7GV76

scream for RE-UPS kids.

(Let's try something new:)

SLANG I'M USING RIGHT NOW:
a. "Co-Op" - Short for cooperation, used in reference to a female. The difference between an indifferent/ambivalent acting female, and one that is trying to do some thangs.
EX: "Man, I think I'ma have to burst* with this little work*, she showing me stupid Co-Op."

b. "Burst" - Modified from the ever popular "Bounce", as in "to leave". (Created by Mr. Mike Shaw, certified East Oakland Slangologist).
Ex: "Man, let me get a player hit off that doobell, I'm bout' ta burst to the barber shop."

c. "Work" - Popular in it's own right as a slang for unspecified quanities of, umm, work. However, when I use the term, it primarily applies to a female, as in a date. Also can describe a scene with an abundance of single women.
Ex: "Man, you need to get up to this Compound, there's dumb work out here man!" (also) (question)"Man, what you 'bout to do?" (reply) "Man, I'm kinda worked-up right now, hit me back in a few."

Lastly, informal survey for ya: Ideally, what's the best media content you can get from a blog these days?
a. Current, hard to find rap singles
b. Old school tracks, to slap in your ride/house and feel all OG and shyt.
c. Entire mixes to unzip (unrar) as you see fit and just ride out.
d. Videos, be they old or new.
e. Porn (is anyone doing the whole clip/yousendit/blogspot thing at all?)

Back Like Cooked Crack

2005-04-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

My Bad yall, as mentioned before up in this empty ass blogspace, I have been going thru a breakup with my chick. I know you don't want to here about it...

Just know that my new "friend" is the shiznit. Can drink beer faster than me and all that. She knows who she is.

I think I might alter the angle of this here bloggg, just so I can post about more random shyt.

Basically (Ideally), it will be a cross of:

The original vision (Artists w/ "Cult" followings)
The "News that matters to Me"- ala BetterThanYours
My not too serious philosophy ala SalGabor
Random Memories and Rants ala Beer/Rap
Some "lightweight" gossip that I deem important ala ATL's own GoldenFiddle
Some very insecure hating on Rap that I don't respect/understand ala Defari
Random MP3's I'm feelin' with no phony ass "go buy it here" links ala FreeMotion
Links to funny/interesting/retarted blog articles. As I like to say, I'm usually all up in someblogga's Comment Section.. Usually BolC,MD. If nothing else, I'm a serial Commenter, so I figure I should at least embrace it.

So, today is Wednesday and what's good in my head:

So probably the biggest shyt on the web these days is the Saga that is unfolding over at Byron Crawford. Apparently, the kid (cuz I always assume he's my age or older, but he's only like 22/3) has been accused of being white. My instinct tells me no, because his writing "sounds" like a black train of thought... He's always struck me (n/h) as one of those Talented Tenth Gone Wild type dudes, but that's just me. Peep the comment trail.. Some "DJ" Haze dude is going apeshyt trying prove that Bol's not black.. But wait, "DJ" Haze ain't black either.. hmmm.. Enjoy http://www.byroncrawford.com/2005/04/i_dont_really_h.html#comments
O-Dub at PopLife, linked up with another Asian dude and now they have a new site. Hey I won't say anything bad about O Dub(B dot C will though), he's out the Bay and a new dad and all, but as an avid blogsurfer, I'm never compelled to go over there, I just end up after I've surfed all my fav blogs, and am trying to stave off the soft porn, esp at work. Apparently, DJ Haze was ridin' in O-Dub's name, go figure. http://poplicks.com/
Good Sportsguy piece on who should win the MVP and LVP (least valuable player) awards in the NBA this year. Highly Reccomended, just of the Lamar Odom joke alone. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/050408
And, lastly, Benzino the GOAT just came out with a interview so Fire, it makes you wonder why he ever tried his hand at rap.. Hey, a guy can be a professional interviewee, right? I would instantly nominate the following people for this profession: DMX, Kool Keith, Zino the GOAT, Jalen Rose, and Mike Tyson. http://www.allhiphop.com/features/index.asp?ID=1049

Wait, MadLib, Quasimoto, and Yesterday's New Quintet are all same PERSON?????

Oh, yeah, "TownShit" by the Whoridas, is seemingly non-existent in MP3 format.... or is it NOZ!?!?

Bust a Lung N__, Get Stoopid, Go DUMB!!!

2005-04-01T16:17:00.000-08:00

PLEASE GO TO THIS STORY AND WATCH THE ATTACHED VIDEO.
PLEASE GO TO THIS STORY AND WATCH THE ATTACHED VIDEO.
PLEASE GO TO THIS STORY AND WATCH THE ATTACHED VIDEO.
PLEASE GO TO THIS STORY AND WATCH THE ATTACHED VIDEO.
PLEASE GO TO THIS STORY AND WATCH THE ATTACHED VIDEO.
PLEASE GO TO THIS STORY AND WATCH THE ATTACHED VIDEO.

Being from Oakland, I'm eternally nostalgic about "how we do it in the town", but this clip helps to show the other side of the fun, or as the mayor calls it "Anarchy".

I will post up some related audio over the weekend.

Random 3xs tracks that mention sidin, the sideshow, etc...
the original "Sideshow" track by 415 (richie rich's old group)..

Open to hella suggetions.. I don't care if you spell it "Hyphy" or "Heify"... I see you MajorMike.

Electric Chair?, I don't DESERVE the fun

2005-04-01T11:09:00.000-08:00

Going through a Break Up Folks.

I've been commenting on everyone's blogs, but neglecting my own. Can't be publishing any BS.

I have the new Fiona Apple that will never be released. Get at me, and I'll hook it up. Matter of fact:

In no particular order:

Not About Love. Wow this is a tight ass song. I need to get my head out my ass and start listening to more types of music. Bol has been posting up reviews on a ton of bands I've never even heard of. Check him out. (I have a rawer version of this too, just holla)

Waltz. In a word; philosophical.

Red, Red, Red. Tight as phukk. The beat is very start/stoppish (stocatto?) Anyway, any feedback will be of more value than mine; I am stil absorbing her greatness. She's kinda saying how she is so far from the norm, but it doesn't sound trendy in a "I'm so counter-culture" kind of way.. so I'm cool with it. Go Fiona.

Get Him Back. "now every man see, reminds me of the one man who dissapointed me". If my ex wasn't allergic to non 106 n park music, she'd really feel these lyrics right about now...

Extraordinary Machine. Title track. Playful, Defiant, and Soothing. Like a famous poem you haven't heard, set to music. "I certainly haven't been shopping for any new shoes". Amen Sister!!!!

2005-04-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

Golly I'm Gully

Discuss Amongst Yourselves:

2005-03-24T16:00:00.000-08:00

Greatest 2pac song ever???:
http://s30.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2F2BIPIB0JI811TACQPLO7GA8V
(Minus the guest verse of course)

something tasty (no karambo) coming over the weekend.

Party hard y'all. But always remember, "you gotta outsmart the Po-Po's"

Any one have any advice on how to secure interviews with artists?
I need to holler at my man at houstonsoreal, cuz he get's some good ones.

Be Easy.

Gully Catch O' The Day

2005-03-24T13:30:00.000-08:00

Gully.. where did that term come from? It reminds me of a Pirate. Anyway, I'm busy at work (short day since we are off tomorrow), but I can't not (Double Negative Biotches!) post, b/c I'm very appreciative of those that are reading.

I read about this in Cuban Links, and felt obliged to post it.

My namesake Dame Dash is really getting aired out by one of his (former?) employees; Peedi the Crakkologist. It just struck me as hella funny. I got some Hollywood acting Friends, er, Associates too. (Somebody plz let me know how to put the line through a word)

Quoth the Peedi:

"I don't f--- with Dame Dash at all," Peedi Crakk fumed. "I f--- with Beans and Biggs. I can't be around [Dash]. I can't be on that side of the fence. I hollered at Jay; Jay said he got my contract, and I can go with him. I left it at that. I was happy being with Jay.

"He don't listen," Crakk continued, explaining why he doesn't associate with Dash's group. "He's so smart, he's dumb. He's got so much money, he thinks he's the sh--. A cloud just hovers over his head so much, it f---s with his common sense. That's why he's losing. He don't know how to pick music, what song to do a video for, how to shoot a video. If you tell him this, he feels disrespected because he's got so many people kissing his ass. When you talk to him on a man-to-man level, on a regular level, he feels disrespected. He's got three, four, five assistants holding his two-way, holding his money, holding his phone. All this super Hollywood sh--.

MTV Story: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1498885/20050323/sigel_beanie.jhtml?headlines=true

Yeah Dash, quit phukken up the name and get ya' shyt Together. I think that's called Narcissistic (sp).

DameBenz

You never had a life like me; I never went to school, shootin' craps, runnin' numbers at the age three"

2005-03-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

As I attempted (traffic like a mug!) to smob through the ATL traffic this morning on my way to work, I was listening to some oldies, and thinking about how to compose this post. It's doesn't make sense on the surface, but The Doobie Brothers, Diana Ross, Steely Dan, and Aretha Franklin helped me think clearly. I love rap music, but the lyrics tend to distract me when I'm trying to think. They force you to follow along, more than act as a soundtrack to my thought process (is that an album title?).

I digress... My man Dru Down is a true West Coast Pioneer. Coming up out the "500" section of East Oakland (Blocks 50th ave -59th ave, technically), Dru hit the music world hard with his first nation wide single Pimp of the Year. The song was 100% radio unfriendly, detailing some of the basic tenaments of the oft-praised Pimpin (and Hoeing) game. Luckily someone had the foresight to see that the hood classic could be reworked into a clean version, and Player of the Year was born. I was in High School in San Fran at the time, and the song just gave me hella pride about Oakland, and about my specific neighborbood (500, the fifties, the Five, etc..). It was one of those songs that, as soon as it comes on, fools get to acting Hyphy/Heiffy instantly, waaaay before that was a term. It has some crazy ass horns sounding like abananas disco track, and unfortunately I don't have it here to post today (note me and I'll hook you up though).

Here's the "back-story" on the fifties too: Oakland is clearly divided into East, West and North neighborhoods (no technical south) with a nice size man-made Lake centered between the three (Lake Merritt). And to be short, the neighborhood is long on violence, drug dealing and increasingly prostitution (http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/03/13/ING8CBNC1J1.DTL). However, what the neighborhood has been short on, locally, is what white people have dubbed "street cred", or I would call it "hood stripes". The more "authentic" part of East Oakland, was that part more easterly, starting at the mid-60's , and including the 70's, the "shady 80's", the 90's and the infmamous "Rolling Hunneds!!" (Think 3X Krazy, Keek Da Sneak, Richie Rich, Etc..) Dru and his bravado, flew in the face of all that. While giving respect and referencing his affiliations in those more famous neighborhoods, he always shouted out the Five, so much that an extended hand with 5 fingers extened (palm forward), became synonomous with the Fifties. On the world famoust Five On It (remix) by the Luniz, Dru put it all out there as he finished his verse: "And I'll make sure the next time niggus see me I'll be high, do-or-die, throwin' up the five, in the fifth lane riiight." Say it along w/ me little boys and girls: Instant Credibility.

I really won't even go into my personal dealings w/ Dru, other than to say that before he was rapping professionally, he and his crew hustled in my neigborhood, often with my apartment building lobby and entryway being their headquarters. He knows me, my Dad, my stepmother and brother, and my little sister. I think the last time I saw him was down in L.A. outside of the famous Forum Club at the Lakers' Great Western Forum. It was during a Magic Johnson Midsummer Night weekend. That was about 2000. He's hella cool, and always "chopped it up" (see below) with me about the Five, my life, etc, even though I was hella square compared to him. My best friend and I also bumped into C&H (www.daveyd.com/interviewLuniz.html) on a dumb sidestreet in New Orleans during the Bayou Classic one year. Dude had some a crazy crew with him (I'm sure some were certified killas), and we spoke of our mutual acquantances and basically "did it big" for an hour or two that night. Dude had dumb light too, if you know what I mean. I will never forget that.

Anti-Hate: Many people want to say Dru is weak, his flow is suspect, and he is using a tired theme of pimpin' to get it poppin. I think his contribution to the game (Early Luniz, 3x, Rich, etc), and unique personality overshadow any critique one may have of his lyrical prowess. Dude also had hella character in person and on the tracks, which many other rappers don't. RE: Pimpin', it's not my place to breathe on dude's hustling tactics, but don't doubt it for a second. He also has recorded with Bootsy Collins, and was christened the Illigitimate Son of Bootsy by Sir Bootzilla Himself. So peep game, or go phukk with what you already know about. Sissy!

So here in all it's Illigitimate Son Of Bootsy Pimpy-Dooness, are a few select Dru tracks, with some "discuss amongst yourselves" quotes, and probably hella run on sentences. Enjoy, and holler for a re up.

La Musica Gratis:

Dru Down - Choppin' it Up (Ft C&H, or Chris Hicks on the adlibs)
http://s17.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=33G140J6RAPJZ0OFJYTRD4X2VS
I've always called this song "hit a nigg_ up in a few", based on a poignant line in the song. It's basically a tale of 1 day in the Town (Oakland), with a theme of he and C&H talking on the phone throughout the track (hella comedy). It begins with Dru planning his trip to "Black Ski Week" in (Lake) Tahoe (NV), and him finishing up a meal at the famous Southern Cafe in Upper Frutivale district of Oakland.
My fav line is when Dru tells C&H "let's hook up by the Walgreen's, so we can catch the sale on the Hendu (Hennessey), get the bottle, hit the throttle, take a swallow, get the tweed, get back to the spot before I miss Apollo."

That was always funny to me on so many levels. The Showtime at the Apollo reference aside, I'm pretty sure he was talking about the Walgreen's Drug Store on High Street. It is the only Walgreen's I have EVER seen that sold hard Liqour. Basically if you broke left when you walked in, you were in what seemed like any other fully stocked liqour store. I guess they were able to offer sales on hard liqours, you know, buying in bulk and whatnot. If anybody ever bought drank at any other Walgreens in America, scream at the kid.

Dru Down - Can You Feel Me?
http://s17.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=01WNCSSTLMKV42EES58LORKI0R
Samples a Fat Boys song very lovely on the Chorus, I believe of the same name. Was the lead single off Dru's second nationwde album, of the same name I believe. I always loved the album cover, beacause he was posted up in front of what was Leila's Market on 48th avenue. You can see the street sign in the backround, and some tire traks from fools hittin' Donuts in the intersection (Google "Oakland Sideshow" if this eludes you). As is the case with singles, it gets less rotation than some of the more obscure cuts. Enjoy.

Dru Down ft. The Luniz (formerly the LuniTunz) - Freaks Come Out
http://s17.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1ZMY6AB7ONMNA31W1R3EKNQCG9
Co-opts the theme of the Whodini! song of a similar name, but talks about real life Freaks as in women, not as in jaycats/dopefiends, or whatever Whodini! was talking about. Different beat etc. Timeless song in my opinion. One of about 15 or 20 songs in which Dru collabo'd with the Luniz in some form or the other. Each is a Bay classic in it's own right. The chorus invites all the freaks to come out tonight, because tonight; "ain't no shootin' no startin' no fights". How can you hate that? If you live in any big city, you know breezies get scared off from the club scene when fools get too violent. But a pimp doesn't fight, get it?

PS: Yukmouth snapping so hard on the second verse, in what is commonly called the "Old Yuk" style. Squeaky voice, savvy wordplay. Basically a east coast influenced rhyme style, talking all about Town Shyt (reminds me a tight ass Whoridas/Saafir song I will post up soon.). Yuk would later get a lot more aggresive and raspy on the mic, and beef with most of North America (The Game, G-Unit, Too Short, etc...), but I still love dude as an artist.

Lastly, a funny one called On the Run (I think).

Dru Down - On The Run
http://s17.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2UL0A9BJD8MEV32ADREFBQJRO6
High Comedy. If rhymes were video games, this would be a Role Playing Game. I won't spoil it for you, but I will tell you it involves Mr. Down "biting off his fingertips, so there won't be no evidence.". I would say that the creativity in part comes from our big influencers; Parliament/Funkadelic.

Holler at me in the Comments and thanks for reading.

From the Soils Man!

2005-03-22T07:21:00.000-08:00

After being serial blog-reader/commenter for the past 3 months, I've created my own Thingamajig; Cult-Status.

Cult: great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book); especially : such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad b : a usually small group of people characterized by such devotion.
Status: position or rank in relation to others b : relative rank in a hierarchy of prestige; especially : high prestige

Here at Cult-Status we celebrate primarily musicians who have amassed cult followings amongst their fanbase.

The focus will be primarily hip-hop, but you never know.

I've been an active reader of many of the finer blogs around, so I'm hoping some of them will link me up.

(Yes,Bol,HoustonSoReal,Warscribe,ShrimpBoys,Sallimo,G/W,Noz,OnlyBuiltFor...,Freemotion,BrokeBboys,ETC.. I'm talking to you!.Thanks in advance...)

And lastly, rather than my going into the whole: who I am, where I from, and where I stand on all things Emo, I'll just let the posts go where they will. Smell me?

Off the bat, the first artist that made me feel I was part of a weird, fanatical, and loyal ass cult: Kool Keith.
This is a new interview w/ Keith that I swear I haven't even read yet. But dude gives some of the best interviews on the planet, so I know it's good stuff. Enjoy. Comment. Comment. And, uhhh, Comment.

Thanks,

DameBenz.

(Astral TruckerInterview with Kool Keith, 16 March 05)

Edit: Ck out the interview via the below link.

KoolKeith.co.UK has a great database of his interviews. If you click around, you'll find the one I call "The Best Kool Keith interview Ever. Period. You'll know why. It involves the styling of the pockets on the back of blue jeans. Seriously.

Credit: Joshua Mosta (http://www.innariddim.com/interviews/article/1136)

Props to the interviewer, site creator, the Gods and Earths, and Al Gore for inventing the Internet.

Scream @ Me in Comments People...

La Musica Gratis:

Keith and Nancy Des Rose - (EVERYBODY'S) SUGAR
http://s29.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1AYISZV7JTO2N1QWT1PU3ROM52
discuss amongst yourselves: "...singers to me are like Halloween Candy; soft candy-rap, trick or treat!!"

Kool Keith and Jacky Jasper - SILK SUIT, BLACK LINEN
http://s31.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1NUDVLIYK51BK2MZLG9QX53MJ7
discuss amongst yourselves: a)"Y'all can pay me no mind, just like you do the AIDS virus"

b)"...a mega-system, with movie screens in the room. Two TV's, they all work remote-control, suckas get amnesia, try to freeze my money..."

Bonus Blessing:
Dru Down - WEAK MOVES (uses the same beat as SILK SUIT, BLACK LINEN)
http://s29.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=0Y73VF967WZZF3C2ENY6RD5X1M
"...but before the whole thang went down, you was talkin' like the baller of the Town, but knowing that Dru Down don't play, I keep it to myself, but your mouth was so big, you had to call for help. I was comin' kinda quickly, I had to show the motherphuca to repsect me. But all the mackin' that I do, I had to stay calm, so I just shot him in his foot, and let him hop home."

Unintentional comedy at it's finest. And I know I promised not to blog-bang, but here it goes: East Oakland, Stoopid Fifties All Day Like Whaaaaat?"