All Talk 3:45:00 PM

One of my favorite tracks by KiD CuDi, the emotional honesty on this song really hits my heart, and I feel like he understands me and probably a lot of other people.

Beer Money, Champagne Taste 9:00:00 PM

...is what my cousin warned me about people in life. And it's sort of true...

As of the previous date of April 19,  I am now presently 15 years old. I feel no different haha, just more responsibilities given and more pressure to achieve my goals now before I am 21 or something. Speaking of accomplishing goals I have been thinking a lot about money lately. Like my mom says I can advertise to be an assistant for one of the other brokers (she's a real estate) at her job which is really cool cause I get mad money. Last time I went it was like 2 months ago and worked for like 3 hours and made $50 which is a lot for 3 hours and helping one broker... I mean some people only make $10 an hour having part-time jobs but like they have to spend what they make on bills so that got me thinking. If I start working as an assistant every weekend and work for two brokers... that's $100 a weekend. Plus, I'm starting to build a recording studio in my room (I have a piano, a computer, and a D-20 Roland right now), so that can help me complete that for all the mics and acoustic padding I need. Also I need new clothes which the money will definitely help... and keep some on the side for food, or look side money for a future date or whatever happens (who knows what can happen!?). I was also thinking I should starting saving for a car... in like 10th grade though after I get new clothes and mandatory stuff.

My life musically has been going great. I finished writing my first album and going to name it "The Grand Exit" (I'll probably say why it's the grand exit in another post one day), and now were just working on Jake's (JR/I-CON) album, "The Man Behind The Mask" due to be released late this summer if we get the time in the studio with Dr. Kim (our producer/engineer, basically our version of Drake's 40). What's the great thing about my album though is I have great support from all my fellow artists and am really excited about this song called "Who, What, Where, When, Why?" with Harlem Bugz, Suave Bucks, JR, and Julio-G all on one song... with me. Shows mad love, shout out to all them by the way. Lastly what's really great is we got a couple of label A&R's asking me to send me our albums and demos to them once where done which is sick, and were going to get AIRPLAY (radio) in Long Island and word of mouth is one hell of a machine so that might send us far and in a easy path to fame. Mad excited.

Socially, I feel satisfied although I do want to meet someone that I should of met in the beginning of the year but I won't say names cause I do know some that read this blog with bad intents (ask me in person and I might tell you). Like, My relationship with Shantell has been rocky since we stopped talking since the beginning of the year but it's getting better now so I happy about that. In this school though everyday I'm making a new friend so I can't say I'm a loner anymore like in the beginning of the year. Though in the beginning of the year, my head was in a darker, more stand in the shadows and let others handle the situation type of place. Now, I feel freer due to the music coming into my life, and pulling my thoughts onto music instead of my social life and shadowing out.

Though I do want to give a shout out to someone. Michele thanks for being such a good acquaintance/friend to me. You and Alisa have held me down this year. Muchas gracias.

I think that's it. I've never typed so much in a post before, guess there's a first for everything though.

For more information on the album and their progress check up on the east coast action website.

On To The Next One 8:17:00 PM

Wow. Nokia is seriously on the next level with this. Can't wait for this if 2012 doesn't happen (don't hate). Anyways, comment and enjoy.

Hustle & Flow 10:30:00 PM

Damn, he just came out with his new album and he hard at work with a new one. That's what I call getting on your grind cousin.

Don't Die 7:07:00 PM

As you can obviously see I fixed the problem that the site was having and were back up! So anyway I got a lot of things to do today since it's Halloween but basically, like I going to go with my best friend to this party on 26th street which is supposed dope. Then at like 6:30 were goning to head over to my other friends house on 14th street and chill there maybe even crash there. There will be a lot of egging, it's going to be a great weekend hope ya'll going to have one to... *evil voice* Muahahaha!!!

Congratulations to KiD CuDi's American Music Award Nomination!! 7:15:00 PM

Award nominations for this years American Music Awards were revealed today and Cudi was one of the nominees for “T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist” in the Rap/Hip-Hop category. The other nominee was Drake, as the two freshman will square off for the award. The 2009 American Music Awards will air on Sunday, Novemeber 22 from 8:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT live on ABC from the Nokia Theatre in L.A.

Winners are decide by fan voting on the AMA website.

The Cudder man deserves it... Vote people!!

We Live 11:01:00 PM

Well family, this is the half way mark of history. And what a better way of acknowledging that then showing a milestone in our history? We live "that downtown kiid" family. And we here to stay.

Flashin' Lights Lights Lights... 10:04:00 PM

When I started this blog about 7 months ago I was expecting it to be a blog I rarely updated like almost one post a month but now it's evolved into a place that people can look at for the latest in hip-hop news, old jams from back in the day, even discover artists that might become their new favorites. This is great and all but this time I want to make a blog/site that was more personal and how I can communicate with my followers better than just text. And what a better way than a "video diary." Ryan Leslie has one... Joe Budden has one, what about the creator of "that downtown kiid?" Anyway the link is HERE, and soon I'll be purchasing the domain so it won't be such a long thing to type. I will be posting every week on a certain day, since I post everyday on "that downtown kiid." Follow the new site & comment. My Lust for Life.

Just a Reminder 10:57:00 PM

Just a reminder about "L.A.S.E.R.S." going to be released on December 15, 2009. Don't forget!

Background Info

"Fiasco was originally going to release his triple album, Lupe Fiasco's LupE.N.D. as his third and final record, but his contract with Atlantic Records prevented him from retiring with this agenda. He then postponed LupE.N.D. indefinitely and intended on releasing an album tentatively titled The Great American Rap Album in June 2009. Instead, the album was also postponed and he announced a new album was in the works, originally titled We Are Lasers and then changed to Lasers. Lasers is an acronym for "Love Always Shines Everytime Remember 2 Smile"."

-Wikipedia

KiD CuDi preforming Pursuit of Happiness 8:31:00 PM

Self explanatory. UPDATE: Cop his album today on iTunes, Amazon, or anywhere else (meaning a surviving record/cd store).

Beats Solo 7:19:00 PM

These are the Dr. Dre's new Beats Solo which I am actually really happy their coming out... why? Cause their about $200 cheaper than the regular Beats. The Beats Solo will be available in black and white, and go on sale from November. They’ll be priced at around $219.99. I always wanted a pair myself... so check it out, look below for more details.

New Addition to Popular “Beats™ By Dr. Dre™ Headphone Line is Lightweight, More Compact Option; Available in Black and White Versions

BERLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Monster and Beats by Dr. Dre, today announced an exciting new development in the evolution of the popular “Beats™ By Dr. Dre™ headphone line – the on-ear “Beats Solo” headphones (MAP: $179.95, SRP: $219.95). The new Beats Solo high-performance headphones offer users an ideal entry level Beats by Dr. Dre personal listening experience in a lightweight and smaller version. Beats Solo will be available in November 2009 in both black and white versions.

Noel Lee, the Head Monster, noted: “When Monster teamed up with Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine for Beats™ by Dr. Dre™ headphones our goal was to change the way people experience their music by simply letting them hear what musicians recorded in the studio – with the extreme clarity, deep bass and full power that had been lacking in conventional headphones. Thanks to Beats, people have begun to understand that sound really does matter. Now, with the introduction of Beats Solo, we’re thrilled to make the Beats by Dr. Dre from Monster experience available in a smaller, lighter on-ear headphone.” Mr. Lee continued: “There were significant challenges in the creation of Beats Solo, including how to achieve really great sound from a small speaker driver. This required serious innovation and creative audio engineering. We were also challenged to take the familiar Beats design and morph it into something smaller and more compact, yet still recognizably ‘Beats.’ I’m delighted to say that we rose to both these challenges – the result is one of the easiest-to-use, easiest-to-wear and best-sounding headphones ever created, with a look that is pure Beats and pure Dr. Dre.”

Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M said: “For Beats Solo, Dre and I worked along with Monster to create the best sound possible in light, comfortable but powerful headphones.”

To provide users with the ultimate in convenience and performance when used with today’s portable music devices, Beats Solo headphones feature “ControlTalk,” an advanced on-cable feature that provides users with full control of their listening experience when using their 3GS iPhone®, iPod® shuffle and other new iPods and portable music devices. The special Monster ControlTalk™ headphone cable features an integrated high grade microphone and answer button and allows users to access their music and answer phone calls without having to reach into their pocketbook, backpack or pocket.

In addition to its availability with Beats Solo and all Beats by Dr. Dre headphones from Monster, including the new white version of Beats Studio and Heartbeats by Lady Gaga from Monster, the ControlTalk feature is also being made available as an option with all Monster brand headphones as well.

The ControlTalk remote and mic are supported by iPod nano (4th generation), iPod classic (120GB), iPod touch (2nd generation), and iPhone 3GS and newer, but not all, Blackberry models. The remote is supported by iPod shuffle (3rd generation). Audio is supported by all iPod models. Requires software version 1.0.3 for iPod nano (4th generation), 2.0.1 for iPod classic (120GB), and 2.2 or later for iPod touch (2nd generation). Support for Blackberry varies by model. Subject to change.

Cipha Sounds & Rosenberg Morning Celebration w/ Jay-z 6:34:00 PM

Jay-Z On the Cipha Sounds & Rosenberg Morning Show (PT.1)

Jay-Z talks Obama On the Cipha Sounds & Rosenberg Morning Show (PT.2)

Jay-Z talks about T-Pain and Him Dissing Him On the Cipha Sounds & Rosenberg Morning Show (PT. 3)

Intresting interview/party thing going on here, lots of this explained, anyways I'm gonna keep it short... Enjoy. Thank Me Later.

Diggy's "She Don't Want A Man?" 1:18:00 PM

Spotted on Diggy's Blog (Life of the Jett Setter) from Run's House on MTV. Personally, I think it's actually pretty cool he made a song like this, I like it a lot, but that's just my opinion... and no people, NO MIXTAPE is coming from Diggy if you were thinking about it. Thank Me later.

Say Aaaaahhh 11:48:00 AM

BMW Efficient Dynamics

Car brand BMW will unveil its Vision EfficientDynamics concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

The hybrid-engined car features 2+2 seating, polycarbonate windows and gull-wing doors.

It has an anticipated top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) and can reach 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.

Description in Brief.

Character:

* High-performance concept study with BMW ActiveHybrid technology visualizing the dynamic performance typical of a BMW against the backdrop of future demands in sustained mobility. BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics as a symbol for the future of Sheer Driving Pleasure in harmony with trend-setting efficiency.

* Development aim: The performance of a BMW M Car and a highly emotional character combined with the fuel economy and emission management of a modern small car in the premium class. As a result, this unique sports car offers the most consistent rendition of the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy.

* Innovative approach in the context of BMW Efficient Dynamics: The exceedingly good balance of CO2 emission management and driving pleasure results from a revolutionary vehicle concept developed all in one from the ground up, achieving a new level of efficiency combined with a unique driving experience.

* The overall result goes far beyond the sum total of the individual features and components in this concept car. BMW Vision Effi cientDynamics offers a realistic impression of the unique potential of BMW ActiveHybrid technology and the great innovative thrust of BMW Efficient Dynamics

Wale's Attention Deficit Album Artwork 6:53:00 PM

As soon as I saw this I was like "I'M POSTING THIS." I have to say Wale seemed whack at first but he really is starting to impress me. I like his style and every new song I hear... I listen to more, haha. Anyway, enjoy. Oh yeah and thank me later.

AllHipHop's Blueprint 3 Review 11:46:00 AM

AllHipHop's interesting (and to be honest sort of expected) review of Jay-Z's higly anticipated 'Blueprint 3.'

Shawn Carter is a complicated man. Like many of us, he is composed of various and at times conflicting influences since his humble beginnings in Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects. But unlike us, Jay-Z for the past decade-plus has been expected to carry the torch for the eclectic, global melting pot that is Hip-hop culture. He met the challenge at the dawn of this decade courtesy of the inaugural Blueprint, which laid a sonic design for producers, and lyrically solidified Jay as one of the great emcees of all time.

But as the first decade of the new millennium closes, Marcy’s beloved son finds himself at an artistic crossroads, prompted both by high-profile missteps (Kingdom Come, Blueprint 2) and successes (The Black Album, American Gangster). The recent criticisms have been heated from fellow artists (ie. Game) and fans alike, arguing the mogul is no longer worthy of being Hip-Hop’s vanguard. Has Jay-Z regressed from trendsetter to trend follower? With those naysayers as fuel, Jay-Z attempts to construct another outline for Hip-Hop’s future in Blueprint 3 (Def Jam).

Before Jay pontificates on the future, he plainly lays out past grievances over the pulsing synth arrangements of “What We Talkin’ About.” Targets are laid on past music (Dame, Jaz-O) and street (DeHaven, Calvin Klein) associates who are framed as individuals who stumbled from personal fiscal mistakes, or incorporating a handout/welfare mentality (“Grown men/Want me to sit them on my lap/But I don’t have a beard/And Santa Claus ain’t black”). To fans and artists, Jay references Hip-Hop’s success in Obama’s historic presidential run as an awakening to eliminate embarrassing Youtube videos and senseless violent feuds from the culture (“You can come with me to the White house/Get your suit up/You stuck on hardcore/I chuck the deuce up”).

On “Thank You,” Kanye West and No ID switch gears by providing Jay with a lush, orchestral sample of Brazilian artist Marcos Valle. With flamboyant horns in tow, Jay plays innocent straight man while deconstructing anonymous emcee rivals. Although no one is named, the Brooklynite frames them as fanatics with the zeal of suicide bomber, and in the end artistically destroy themselves (“I was gonna 9/11 them/But didn’t need the help/And they did a good job/Them boys are talented as hell!”).

Fans seeking the feel of the original Blueprint soul samples can experience that same vibe on “Empire State of Mind.” With a boisterous but fitting Alicia Keys chorus, Shawn Carter encapsulates his love for NYC and incorporates name drops of everyone from Afrika Bambaatta to Bob Marley. The chemistry then extends to Young Jeezy on “Real As It Gets.” Although the Inkredibles’ production is undeniably tailored to Jeezy, Jay has no issues making the track his own by complimenting his younger colleague’s refrain duties with his trademark wit.



Unfortunately, the LP’s second half is not as cohesive and in some cases stumbles badly. The issues stem not from Jay-Z himself, but some questionable production choices and guest appearances. “Off That” falls flat because of Timbo’s unimaginative production, and a complete waste of Drake who simply delivers a forgettable, by the numbers chorus. Things don’t improve much on “Venus vs. Mars.” Jay retains the listener’s interest with a couplet-centered flow filled with rich allusions of everything from “Ether” to Star Wars’ C-3PO, but Timbaland’s production and arrangements leave you feeling this was better served for a Roc Nation mixtape.

Kanye West, who up until now was delivering some of BP 3’s best work, slips on “Hate.” Previously, West had tailored his production to Jay strengths, but here the Chicago star supplies a track that could have been an 808s & Heartbreak’s throwaway, or even worse “Drunk and Hot Girls Part 2.” Jigga gives it his best shot, even alternating vocal pitches to match the rhythm’s dirge pace and distorted vocal sample. Still, nothing can save this offering.

It’s well known that Jay-Z has been very concerned with his place among the greats since the new millennium. But another “career-recap” with “Reminder” screams overkill on several levels. Not only has it already been done better on previous albums (see Black Album, Blueprint), but the annoying, Autotune leaning chorus ironically titters close to the same formulaic music Jay vowed to eliminate on “Death of Autotune.”

With that said, there are several bright spots over the second half. Kid Cudi is another young gun reduced to chorus duties, but his vocals accentuate Kanye’s melodic, violin-centered sample loop. Jay works seamlessly with the beat, skewering crying artists who ridiculous claim he’s holding them back, and even takes a light-hearted moment to address cracks on his appearances mostly seen on message boards (“Oh they call me a camel/But I mastered the drought/What the f**k I’m animal/Half man, half mammal/My sign is a Sag/This is just what I plan to do/Oh don’t be mad”).

The Neptunes come through on “So Ambitious,” supplying Jay-Z with a jazzy, bass-heavy track reminiscent of Outkast’s Organized Noise production. Long-time fans will recognize Jay utilizing a flow similiar to his classic “In My Lifetime” single. Pharrell’s crooning doesn’t interfere, and instead listing his achievements to prove his greatness, he details his life experiences which clearly paints the same picture but without pretentiousness.

“Forever Young” closes the LP on a positive note, recapturing the vibe heard on “Beach Chair” and displaying Jay reflecting on the universal qualities of music. With all the recent digs at his age, he intuitively knows the fountain of youth is not from infantizing his music, but by creating timeless compositions that will transcend generations.

Artists with the talent of Jay-Z will always suffer from unrealistic expectations. Solid and good albums are unacceptable. Unless a classic is delivered every time, some fans will scream failure. Of course, attaching the Blueprint name to this project can do that, but on this album Jay-Z does show growth, and more importantly ambition. It’s not jaw-dropping like the first Blueprint or as succinct as the Black Album, but it’s not all over the place like BP2 and takes more risks the “safe” lane that was American Gangster (Jay can spin street hustler tales in his sleep).

Does Jay-Z need to retire? Absolutely not, and it’s ridiculous to even suggest. Blueprint 3 shows he has more to offer as an artist, and those without unbridled hate will continue to attentively follow his already legendary musical journey.

FINAL RATING: 6.5 out of 10 stars.

To be honest I really was expecting this to be the rating cause half of the album has leaked and the music just didn't seem like his best effort. I feel that Jay-Z did play the safe zone for this album. Additionally, I am actually really mad that Timbaland's beats got panned this album, I feel that he is just gettin' lazy these days. Well what do ya'll think? Comment... thank me later.

Lupe Fiasco's Lasers Release Date 2:32:00 AM

The LupE.N.D. Blog reports:

According to HitsDailyDouble Lupe's 3rd album "Lasers" is set to be released on December 15th 2009!

If this actually turns out to be the final release date (you know how it is...things get pushed back)

Hear that people? December 15th 2009! Can't for this album.

"Going, Going, Gone" 4:12:00 AM

This song did have to grow on me more and more, but this guy (named "Donnis") does interest me. Keep a lookout for his upcoming mixtape with 10.Deep, Diary of an Atlanta Brave, which drops August 20th.

Donnis - Gone (prod. Needlz)