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Monday, September 28, 2009
BH Tripple Boss: FEATURE: Follow the Leader
Have you ever rocked a platinum chain? That’s Jay-Z. Dicthed your jersey for a button-up? Credit Jay. Drank Cristal? Thank Hov. He put Iceberg on the map, popularized Bentleys and Maybachs and regulated BMW’s X5 to baby mama status. Even on his latest The Blueprint 3, Jay is still bragging and boasting with no signs of slowing down. On “Empire State of Mind,” he rhymes, “Shit, I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can.” Absurd right? Not really. XXLMAG.com explores 10 of Jay-Z’s greatest trends.—Compiled by Matt Barone, Carl Chery, Jesse Gissen, Clover Hope and Rob Markman
Platinum Jewelry: “I mean like I gotta be the pioneer to this shit…wearing that platinum shit when all you chicks thought it was silver and shit.” Jay ain’t never lie. Before hopping on the scene the average rapper’s jewels looked more like Mr. T than Mr. Weezy F. Baby. You can thank the original Mr. Carter for making your trip to Zales that much more expensive.
No Pad, No Pen: Jay-Z has always bragged about not owning a rhyme book, he always was able to hash out his song on the spot, using a combination of his wit and immense memory. The technique spawned a lot of imitators, namely Lil Wayne, Kanye West and T.I., among others, who have all also bragged about using the same song writing method.
The popularization of Cristal: Prior to the summer of 2006, Jay-Z hadn’t come across an opportunity to drop a Cristal reference in a verse that he could pass up. His high-end champagne of choice, the gold-labeled drink—which has been available commercially since 1945, though its creation dates back to 1876—made nearly as many cameos in Jigga’s songs as Memphis Bleek. From “Dead Presidents II” (“The icon, baby, you like Dom/Maybe this Cristal’s, to change your whole life”) to “Imaginary Player” (“I was popping that Cristal when y’all niggas thought it was beer and shit”), his incessant brand-name-dropping gave the company tons of mojo.
Icerberg: Name-checking the brand in several lyrics, Hov helped popularize Iceberg in the late ’90s. At one point, the BK MC became so synonymous with the line that his shows were filled with concert-goers donning Loney Tunes characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck on their sweaters.
Sped Up Soul Sampling: With relatively new producers Kanye West, Just Blaze and Bink producing most of The Blueprint, the God MC helped end the syntheziser era and resurrect soul sampling in the same breath. Taking a cue from Wu-Tang Clan’s the RZA, who had made a trademark out of sprinkling vocals onto his tracks, Yeezy and Just sped up the samples to give it a new twist. Sure, Hov didn’t actually bang on the MPC or the ASR-10, but he had the foresight to usher in hip-hop’s new sound. Soon, everybody from T.I. to Cam’ron benefited from Roc-A-Fella’s chipmunk sound.
Killed Throwback Jerseys: “And I don’t wear jerseys, I’m thirty plus/Give me a crisp pair of jeans, nigga button up.” Founded in 1904, it took decades for Mitchell & Ness to become hip-hop’s brand du jour. Yet, with only two lines off “What More Can I Say” from The Black Album, Jigga made throwback jerseys irrelevant in a matter of weeks.
Button (Up) Down Shirts: It’s not like MCs never wore button down shirts before, they just hardly ever did it in a casual fashion. Following Jay’s fashion advice, the throwback jersey set took to colorfully loud button down shirts as their go-to attire. Change clothes, and go!
Maybach: Way before Rick Ross was making Maybach Music, Jiggaman had already traded in his benz for the ultra luxurious ride. Ever since you couldn’t watch an episode of Cribs without rappers and celebrities alike bragging about their new miracle whip. Too bad the six-figure price tag doesn’t also include a verse from Jay.
D.O.C. (Death of Cristal): Mojo that Hov quickly eradicated come June 2006, however, when he staged an all-out boycott against Cristal. In an interview with The Economist, Frederic Rouzad—managing director for Louis Roederer, the company that produces Cristal—responded to a question about the brand’s feelings toward an association with hip-hop’s “bling lifestyle” with, “What can we do? We can’t forbid people from buying it.” Viewing the quote as racist, Jay-Z subsequently put his once-beloved drink on ice, omitting “Cristal” from all of his lyrics and discontinuing sales of the champagne at all of his 40/40 venues. Three years later, Cristal’s visibility rivals that of Zima.
BH News: DMX Speaks on Reuniting With Swizz Beatz
DMX is barking again. Despite a tumultuous couple of years, which found the Yonkers-bred rapper in and out of court and prison for a string of drug, theft and animal cruelty charges, the one-time Def Jam star seems more focused than he’s been in years.
Before jumping on stage at last night’s (September 23) VH1 Hip Hop Honors, to perform “Party Up (Up In Here),” XXLMag.com spoke to X about the Ruff Ryders reunion, getting back in the studio with longtime producer Swizz Beatz and his love for Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons.
As previously reported VH1 did a retrospective of Def Jam’s storied 25 years in the rap business during yesterday’s 6th annual Hip Hop Honors in Brooklyn. And X has nothing but good things to say about former label head Russell Simmons. “Russell’s a good brother,” he said. “[He] calls every once in a while to check on me [to] make sure I’m all right. I appreciate everything he’s done. Russ I love you baby.”
While the Dog didn’t offer too many details about his much anticipated reunion album with the Ruff Ryders, he says they have already been in the studio and recorded new tracks.
As far as getting back into the booth with Swizzy, X says it felt “like it always was.” When asked what he thinks of Swizz’s new sound, X responded, It’s supposed to [change], it’s still hot. He’s got some hot shit. You can’t have the same sound.” [Watch Below]
As of press time there is no release date on either the Ruff Ryders reunion disc or X’s new solo album. -Elan Mancini with reporting by Jesse Gissen
BH News: Lil Scrappy Plots Comeback LP on DTP
Crunk Ain’t Dead. Lil Scrappy is currently prepping his DTP debut, The Grustle, the Altanta artist’s first album on a major since 2006’s Bred 2 Die, Born 2 Live on Lil Jon’s BME label.
The album title, The Grustle, refers to a combination of “the grind” and “hustle.” According to DTP label representative AJ Dixon, the disc will feature appearances by Maino, Trey Songz and DTP leader Ludacris. Fellow Atlanta resident Don Cannon has contributed beats for the project.
Scrappy recently released the video for the album’s first single “Addicted to Money,” which also includes an guest spot from Luda, earlier this week.
The Grustle is scheduled to hit stores on December 15. –Max G
BH News: KRS-One: “Def Jam Single-Handedly Destroyed Hip-Hop”
Prior to jumping onstage on Wednesday’s (September 23) Hip Hop Honors, celebrating Def Jam’s 25th Anniversary, XXLMag.com caught up with the always outspoken KRS-One to speak on the label’s legacy.
While the teacher expressed his love and respect for the Def Jam brand, he also fingered them as the reason for hip-hop’s demise.
“Def Jam is the dopest label in hip-hop, in the culture of hip-hop,” he said. “There really would be no hip-hop as we know it today if it wasn’t for Def Jam. But you don’t get that respect without also being the label that single-handedly destroyed hip-hop.”
When asked to elaborate KRS had a list of complaints about the storied brand. “Every time you think of what’s wrong with hip-hop, the lyrics, the commercialized music, one artist being played on the radio all day, things like that, that’s all Def Jam,” he continued. “We respect it. It’s a respect cause we all competing, so Def Jam had the hardest competition, but the hardest competition as I showed the respect, I also showed the truth. And the truth is everybody else had to sit down so Def Jam could be who they are.”
As previously reported, KRS joined D.C. up-and-comer Wale and Travis McCoy of the Gym Class Heroes for a rendition of the Beastie Boys’ “No Sleep til Brooklyn” during Wednesday night’s taping. The 6th Annual VH1 Hip Hop Honors airs at 9 p.m on October 13. –Jesse Gissen with additional reporting by Adam Fleischer
Friday, September 25, 2009
BH: Eye Candy JStarKiki YUM!
Bio:
Name Jasmine Dent Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA I love, love, love music and everything I do revolves around it! I sing..write into Poetry..and I am in Public Relations. Official P.R. Of Meanstreet Ent.
Hobbies: I do hair..stay doin promotional work 4 S.dot and SCR ima work ahololic! I LOVE NETWORKING
Fav Colors:
Red,Black,Gold
Sites You Can Reach Her On:
Twitter.com/jstarkiki
Myspace.com/jazzypha08
Facebook.com (jasmine Dent)
Boss Hog B. WEST
Name: Robert J. Wescott III {AKA} B. WEST
Location: NORTH PHILLY
Sites people can reach you at:
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BWESTBEATZ
WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/BWESTMUSIC
WWW.TWITTER.COM/BWESTMUSIC
WWW.USTREAM.TV/CHANNEL/BWESTMUSIC
Bio:(tell us a little about you)
I AM A FUNERAL DIRECTOR AS WELL AS A RAPPER, MUSIC PRODUCER, VIDEO PRODUCER, VIDEOGRAPHER, AND ONE HELL OF A NETWORKER. I JUST STARTED MY OWN USTREAM SHOW THATS LIKE MY TWITTER BUT INSTEAD OF READING WHAT IM DOING YOU CAN WATCH VIDEOS OF WHAT IN DOING THROUGHOUT MY DAY MAKE SURE YALL CHECK IT OUT ! TO SUM ME UP I AM A HARD WORKING PERSON THAT WANTS THE BEST FOR MYSELF AND NO MATTER WHAT I WONT ALLOW ANYTHING TO STOP ME FROM ACCOMPLISHING THAT !!
What does Boss Hog mean to you?
BOSS HOG TO ME MEANS SOMEONE WHO IS IN CHARGE AND MAKES THINGS HAPPENS AND IS A LEADER NOT A FOLLOWER, AND WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH THE TOUGH GET GOING, NOTHING CAN HOLD A BOSS HOG BACK FROM WHAT THEY HAVE THEY MIND SET ON, THEY WILL DO THEIR BEST TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.
What makes you a Certified Boss Hog?
FOR THE FACT THAT I AM THE 1ST RAPPER, MUSIC PRODUCER, VIDEO PRODUCER, NETWORKER, VIDEOGRAPHER AND FUNERAL DIRECTOR ALL IN ONE ! THAT MAKES ME UNIQUE AND MOST OF ALL A BOSS HOG ! YOU CANT SAY I DONT MAKE THINGS HAPPEN THAT WOULD BE A MAJOR UNDERSTATEMENT !
What about you makes people want to be you? (explain ur style)
WHAT MAKES PEOPLE WANNA BE ME IS THE FACT THAT NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS IN MY LIFE I KEEP ON MOVING TO ACCOMPLISH MY GOALS THAT I SET FOR MYSELF. I AM A LEADER AND I ACCOMPLISH THE THINGS THAT I SET OUT TO ACHEIVE ! I MAKE HOT MUSIC AS WELL AS GREAT VIDEOS AND I HAVE ALOT GOING FOR MYSELF ! AND MOST OF ALL I BE MYSELF !
What kind of Boss moves do you make?
I PRODUCE MOST OF MY OWN TRACKS. I DO MAJORITY OF MY OWN RECORDING. I DO ALL MY OWN FILMING AND EDITING. I NETWORK MY ASS OFF SO I CAN MAKE MORE CONNECTS THAT CAN BECOME ASSETS TO MY SUCCESS ! NOT ONLY DO I PUT MY FACE OUT THERE FOR THE PUBLIC TO SEE BUT I ALSO PUT MY NAME AND WORK OUT THERE FOR THE PUBLIC TO SEE WHAT I CAN DO ANY AND EVERY WAY POSSIBLE !
What to you is your number one Boss Rule?
MY NUMBER ONE BOSS RULE IS TO "BE YOURSELF AND NEVER ALLOW ANYTHING TO STOP YOU OR GET IN YOUR WAY OF YOU MAKING YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE BECAUSE YOU ARE THE ONLY PERSON THAT CAN STOP YOU ! THE SKY IS THE LIMIT"
What made you want to get into what you're doing now?
THE LOVE OF MUSIC IS WHAT MADE ME WANNA PRODUCE AND THE EXPRESSION OF MY WORDS AND THOUGHTS IS WHAT INSPIRED ME TO WANNA RAP ! AS FAR AS BEING A FUNERAL DIRECTOR MY PARENTS OWN A FUNERAL HOME SO THATS WHAT I GREW UP AROUND SO Y NOT CONTINUE TO CARRY IT ON AND HAVE MORE THAN 1 INCOME !
What's your ambition? What keeps you on your grind?
MY AMBITION IS TO ACCOMPLISH MY GOALS AND BRING THE IDEAS IN MY HEAD TO REALITY !
You give Boss Hog props to?
AS FAR AS ANOTHER PERSON THAT ID GIVE BOSS HOG PROPS TO IS MY HOMIE TRIZZY ! HE GRIND HARD HAS HIS OWN RADIO SHOW. IS A RAPPER AND EVEN WHEN HE FALLS OFF THE HORSE HE GETS BAK ON AND CONTINUES TO RIDE EVEN BETTER !
BH News: The Most Romantic Rapper You've Never Heard
White rappers come and go, but mostly they just go. Eminem is the exception that proves the rule on this side of the pond, and 'round merry olde England way there's a guy called Mike Skinner, AKA The Streets, who has Slim Shady's staying power sans some of the neuroses. He covers the usual white rapper trope of fame, hos, drugs and parental issues (with the bonus of Cockney Rhyming Slang), but he gets a little deeper.
While most pain in the hip-hop game is expressed through wounded, animal rage, Mike Skinner's hurt is more nuanced and possibly more relatable (he is British). His third studio album, The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living, deals with the trappings of fame and how it's skewed his view of dating and women in general. But his sophomore album, A Grand Don't Come For Free, focuses on love and gender misunderstandings. If my opinion and the UK pop charts mean anything, this is easily his best effort. The record is a concept album (narrative in execution, cinematic in scope) and deals with a rough period in the rapper's life. It begins with him losing a thousand pound note (I think Prince Harry is on that one) and along the way to recovering the money, he meets a girl, moves in with her, breaks up, tries to drink, drug and fornicate the pain away, attempts one last shot at reconciliation, fails and eventually finds the thousand-pound note.
The reconciliation attempt, "Dry Your Eyes," is by far the most powerful song. It's up there with Ben Harper's "Walk Away" as one of those songs that takes you into a weird, uncomfortable but immediately recognizable place. On a personal note, I cannonballed this song with "Comfortably Numb" and Nine Inch Nails' "Every Day Is Exactly The Same" on a post-breakup, self-pity party. Read: The Bad Girl's Breakup Rx
While The Street's brand of garage rap may not be your cup of tea, it's impossible to argue that he doesn't have a unique, nuanced and worth-exploring view on the male-female condition. Any time I'm in a club and see a guy and a girl chatting I wonder two things: 1) Is he trying The Game; and 2) Does The Streets' line, "the reason girls flirt is to work out their worth, whereas men just hanker for the panky to happen," apply?
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