Gratuitous Violence

When I was a kid i used to love Kung Fu Movies...So much that I would look forward to Saturday mornings just to see the Kung Fu Theater so I could reenact the scenes in my super man pajamas. Sound Effects and All. Here is a scene that takes me back to those days.

Rap Snob - Episode 104

Black Milk has easily become one of my favorite producer/rappers. He came out of the SLum Village camp where he was mentored by the Late J. Dilla. His soulful beat style often rivals greats like Kanye and Pete Rock and his Rhymes are always on point. Here is his latest track:

Deadly Medley (Feat. Royce 5'9", Elzih)

Rap Snob - New Classics

The word "Classic" gets thrown around a lot in discussions about albums, but rarely are they even accurate. I will spare you the CLiche of posting the Webster's Dictionary definition of the "Classic" but basically, a Classic album is one that not only has an almost infinite shelf life in the sense that it stays fresh no matter when you listen to it, but it is one that you really don't have to skip tracks on.

And for the sake of perspective...Based on several conversations that I have had with different rap fans, there are a few universal classics that most fans can agree on. Here is a short list:

Nas - Illmatic
Raekwon - Cuban Links
Dr. Dre - The Chronic
Wu-Tang CLan - 36 Chambers
Mobb Deep - The Infamous
BIG - Ready to Die
Jay-Z - Reasonable Doubt
DMX - It's Dark and Hell is Hot
NWA - Straight Outta Compton
Public Enemy - It Takes A Nation of Millions...

Just to name a few. All of the albums mentioned above are ones that you would find on many "Classics" lists from Hip Hop Fans all over. What they have in Common is that each of those albums has "Stood The Test of TIme" for nearly 20 years (Some Longer) and are both accepted by new rap fans and revered by Hip Hop Senior Citizens like myself. So with that said, I now introduce the Rap Snob's New Classics. New classics have not been around long enough to be considered classics (Less than 10 years) but are well on their way. And now the list...

Little Brother - The Minstrel Show (2005)

Rap Snob Review:
The essence of Pure MC'ing and soulful production on this album, is reminiscent of Pete Rock and Tribe Called Quest in their prime. Phonte, Pooh and 9th WOnder followed up their Debut and perfected their craft to release a soon to be classic Sophomore effort. Unfortunately, this would be the last album with the group in tact. (9th GOt the Boot) Leaving Pooh in Rap Oblivion, Phonte is now an R&B SInger, and 9th signed to Duck Down and revitalized Boot Camp Click, one of the most influential crews of 90's Hip Hop.

Stand Out Tracks:
Lovin' It, Watch Me, Sincerely Yours

Downside:
The Percy Miracles Skit is lame and very very not funny. Also The guest MC's are clearly out of their League (Mainly Chanudon and Joe Scudda) and they almost ruin the flow of some of the great tracks.

50 Cent - Get Rich or Die Trying (2003)



Rap Snob Review:
After all the hype, anticipation, gunshot wounds and the legendary mixtape massacre from 50, Banks and Yayo...this album truly met and exceeded all expectations. CLub Bangers, chill songs, gangsta sh*t and the vintage tough talk that made 50 famous, all flowed seamlessly from track to track through this damn near perfectly produced album. Another Dr. Dre Masterpiece.

Stand Out Tracks:
Many Men, Whattup Gangsta, In Da Club

Downside:
Nearly half of the album's songs were released as singles which caused it to get played for a bit, but years later it still sounds fresh.

Kanye West - Late Registration (2005)



Rap Snob Review:
Most people consider College Dropout to be Kanye's best album, mainly due to the fact that after a few years of lacing Jay-Z and others with some of the best beats of the decade, Kanye proved that he was a legitimate MC. To Me LAte Registration was the album where he took that solidification and threw it through the glass ceiling that blocked Producer/Rappers from joining the ranks of elite MC Status. Because most importantly, he proved that College Dropout wasn't a fluke. And musically, Late Registration was much more sophisticated and orchestrated compared to the previous album. He also developed his identity as an MC and came with sharper, wittier lines.

Stand Out Tracks:
Diamonds from Sierra Leon, On My Way Home, Touch The Sky, Drive Slow, We Major

Downside:
The Fact that Kanye did not provide a verse for "On My Way Home" and even more disappointing, the fact that Game didn't spit a verse on Crack Music. Lastly, Golddigger was completely raped by the radio, movies, commercials, etc. ruining it forever.

Jay-Z - American Gangster (2007)



Rap Snob Review:
Musically, this is Jay-Z's best album. Many would say Blueprint or maybe even Black Album, but the way the beats fit the themes and content of each album is demonstrated this perfect on very few albums. The 70's samples provide a beautiful backdrop for Jay's story telling and make you feel and see the images as vividly as Jay resorted back to his hustler days for this one. Which was very refreshing for fans like myself considering the fact that he vowed never to return to those days due to his tremendous commercial success. If you ask me, This album could have easily been released as a Jay-Z album under a different name instead of a soundtrack and been equally as good, but Jay has never been one to run away from money and marketability.

Stand Out Tracks:
Ignorant Sh*t, I Know, Fallin', Say Hello, Roc Boys

Downside:
The fact that Jay-Z only did this album as a soundtrack to the American Gangster film always left a bad taste in my mouth. Especially since this was the type of album I had been wishing he released since reasonable doubt. The fact that it is a soundtrack also makes the rhymes less authentic to me. Oh and...Nas murdered Jay on his own sh*t (Success).

Game - The Documentary (2005)



Rap Snob Review:
To this day, Game still has the best album of all of the G-Unit goons. Unfortunately, it would be his last album as a G-Unit goon, but he went out on a high note. Game's sharp wordplay and gang-affiliated story telling brought west coast rap back to a place it hadn't been since Snoop dropped Doggy Style. The production from heavy weights such as Dr. Dre, Kanye West, Just Blaze and Timbaland made this album amazing with no skips. Dreams is still one of my favorite Rap songs ever recorded.

Stand Out Tracks:
West Side Story, Dreams, Put you on the Game, Higher

Downside:
The Name Dropping is almost unbearable at times. Game knows a lot of people in the Rap business and he wants to make sure that everybody knows that. There are at least 5 name drops in each track which can get annoying. Also, sometimes Game sounds like Nas...other times he sounds like Dr. Dre.

LOX - We Are The Streets (2000)



Rap Snob Review:
The LOX finally burned their shiny suits and dropped the album that they were born to record with We R The Streets. Hardcore East Coast Rap was in a state of decline when this album dropped, and it came back hard like a back alley brawl. The LOX spit violence and drugs with the authenticity and entertainment quality of a Martin Scorsese flick. The album asle established Swizz Beatz as an elite Producer and Jadakiss established himself as one of the Top 5 Dead or Alive.

Stand Out Tracks:
Blood PRessure, Breathe Easy, Felony N*ggas, We Are The Streets

Downside:
Perhaps the biggest downside to this album is the fact that 10 years later it is the most Recent LOX group album. Sure there are plenty of Solo albums from Sheek, Styles and Jada, but this is the last Solo Album and there doesn't seem to be another coming any time soon.

Common - Be (2005)



Rap Snob Review:
Hands Down Be is Common's best album. I have been a fan since Resurrection and bought every album, but it wasn't until Common hooked up with Kanye West where he finally reached his peak as a top tier MC. The album is very very soulful musically and Common drops intelligent, thought-provoking lines and vivid stories as is his skill.

Stand Out Tracks:
Faithful, Real People, They Say, Be, Go

Downside:
it's too short. Most times when an album has too many songs, it has a lot of filler, but this combination could give me a double CD and I would be happy. Thank God they did Finding Forever a few years later.

Raekwon - Cuban Links 2 (2009)



Rap Snob Review:
I waited for nearly 15 years for this album to drop and once it finally did it didn't disappoint one bit. The Chef and the Ghost revisited the kitchen and cooked up another classic. It had that classic Wu-Sound from the hard hitting beats to the even harder hitting lyrics. It won't ever be on the same level as the original but it's pretty damn close.

Stand Out Tracks:
Broken Safety, Canal Street, Surgical Gloves, House of Flying Daggers

Downside:
Fatal Flaw #1 - No Nas! Also, the album has a lot of the beats were recycled beats and taken from other rap songs. ie. Pyrex Vision shared the same beat as OC's Jewels, Canal Street Shares the same beat as It's Time I See You (LOX), Fat Lady Sings has the same Beat as Memphis Bleek's Sleping on Bleek. But that is a small annoyance. the rhymes make it irreleveant to the overall listening experience. But the other downside, perhaps the mort important, is the fact that JADAKISS has the hardest verse on the entire album. Jada is nice, but he's not even a Wu Affiliate! How you let him outshine the whole album with one 1-minute verse??? But in Rae's Defense, it's not hard to get out-shined by Kiss. Still a great album.

Honorable Mention:

Torae & Marco Polo - Double Barrell
Curren$y - Pilot Talk
Common - Finding Forever
Talib Kweli - Eardrum
Young Jeezy - The Inspiration
Lil Wayne - Carter II
Skyzoo - Salvation
Prodigy - H.N.I.C.

And that concludes the list. Leave comments on any omissions, props or differences of opinions.

Peace.

...

John Madden's Latest Victim

All sports Fans know that the MAdden COver is a curse, and if you don't believe me ask Shaun Alexander, Michael Vick, or most recently, Troy Palomalu. This Year features Super Bowl Champion QB, Drew Brees. So Now I present to you...

Top 5 Madden Curse Scenarios Now That Drew Brees is on the Cover

05.) Saints don't Make The Playoffs.
04.) Hurricane Kathleen (Katrina's Revenge)
03.) Week 12 at Cowboys Stadium. 2 words: De Marcus!!!!!!!!
02.) Steve Nash' Hairline Sues Drew Brees hairline for Identity Theft
01.) Nothing Happens. The Curse is broken forever and since there will be no 2011 NFL season, the evil demons responsible for the Madden curse will get bored and move on to haunt something like Wii Sports Resort. Watch your back Mario!

Rap Snob - Episode 103

Another classic from Duck DOwn Records. This album dropped last year and has stayed on heavy rotation on the Rap Snob's Ipod. Torae spits that hardcore "baseball bat to the face" rap while Marco Polo gives you vintage Boom Bap, heavy speaker blowing beats. This album is hands down one of my favorites from last year and Rap Snob Approved as a "New Classic". Here is the title track from that album.

Torae & Marco Polo - Double Barrel

An Open Letter to True Blood...

Dear True Blood,

F*ck You!

As a loyal viewer I have put up with alot of your bullsh*t over the past few years. Granted the expectations were high due to the death of the Sopranos and The Wire, but there were a several fundamental flaws that needed to be forgiven. I forgave you for the terrible acting by the terrible cast with even more terrible accents, I forgave you for having ONLY 2 Black Males in the entire series. I also forgave you for the fact that one of those 2 is Dead and the other wears glitter, eye shadow and silk "Aunt Jemima" Head Rags. I forgave you for the way way all of the vampires look like they are having seizures whenever they reveal their fangs and hiss (That was a hard one). Do you see how ridiculous it looks?



I remember during the first season hearing somebody say "Yo I think Sam is that dog. There's something weird about that" I thought to myself..."What an idiot. Why would they have a a shape-shifting man/dog on a show like this? That's Lame" WRONG! And once I was made to be the idiot in that situation with not only Sam but 3 other shape shifters, I STILL forgave you. Then came the werewolves (yawn) but I forgave that also. I almost turned my back after seeing Eric (My favorite Character) making out with another dude not once but twice, but since the first time was a "dream" and the second time he was undercover (for lack of a better term)I still kept watching.



But now with these current indications of Faries or whatever the f*ck Sookie is supposed to be, I'm truly bleeding inside for this to end. Are you f*cking serious? Fairies? as in Tinkerbell Fairies? The proof is evident in Sookie's coma dream which clearly alluded to fairy-related activities. Prancing around the woods, playing with furry animals, dresses made of leaves, everybody happy and giggling and then fleeing into a magic well of light upon the threat of darkness. What kind of bullsh*t is this? Unbelievably lame. And once Bill ventured into the land of Fairies for no explainable reason other than the fact that he consumed Sookie's blood, I'm really done. Of course I will continue to watch, but through a much more bitter and jaded eye. And yes, I know it is based on a series of books, but that's not my problem. That's your responsibility.

Thanks, Asshole.

Sincerely,

BlackDroog.com

Senate Smackdown.

I read an article from Bloomberg this morning that Linda McMahon won the Republican nomination for Senate in Connecticut. For those who don't know...Linda McMahon is the wife of Vince McMahon and former CEO of the WWE aka The World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. formerly known as the World Wrestling Federation. I don't know her politics nor do I live in Connecticut which means i don't really care about her politics. However, below are a few of the visions that entered my mind immediately after reading this headline.








That sh*t had me laughing to myself all morning.

Source: Bloomberg.com

Revis Island Is Now Deserted...

Question: What's the difference between Revis Island and Gilligan's Island? The Answer: Gilligan's island will be a whole hell of a lot easier to find this year.



Darrelle Revis, of the New York Jets and one of the most dominating Defensive Players in the NFL is holding out on his contract because he feels he is worth more than his current contract. To make a long story short, Revis wants to be the highest paid cornerback in the NFL which means that the Jets would have to pay him 15 Million a year. The jets basically told him to kiss thier collective ass and now the team's owner doesn't believe he will play this season.

For All the other details, you can click on the link below, but now it's time for another BD Rant..........

Source: Espn.com

Who the f*ck told this guy that one good season was enough for you to start demanding money? you had one good season in your short career. Put in work, then pull this stonewall sh*t. This entitlement based off of one year is crazy. Imagine if regular dudes took this approach?

Employee: - "Hey Boss, I know you just hired me but I did a good Job today doing what I was supposed to do, RIght?."

Manager: "Yes you have. You have a promising future here."

Employee: "Future? Naw, B. I'm more interested in right now. The dude accross the hall makes 10 G's more than I do and He's not even as good. I want 10 G's plus $1 or i'm bouncing."

Manager: Ok, Thanks for voicing your concerns. Your replacement will be here on Monday. Please clean out your desk."

The average person would be replaced within minutes of pulling this sh*t. But this dude is refusing to work unless he becomes the highest paid player of his position in the entire League. GTFOH.



In Revis' defense, his salary is only $1 Million which is relatively low especially compared to other NFL salaries. But like I said, Dude only has had one great year. Here are some highlights...



Now that was a hell of a year, but the key word is ONE YEAR. And if you want to nitpick, the truth is that the Jets didn't even make it to the Super Bowl. In fact the Defense that Mr. Revis plays on allowed Peyton Manning to score 3 TD's against them in the AFC Championship game, so you ain't perfect, Bruh. you need to chill. Don't be mad now that you signed that bum ass contract as a rookie. I don't understand the whole suprise factor involved here. Did he not know how much money he was going to make until last week? This guy is unbelievable. Hell of a player, though (potential). As a friend of mine says, "Revis is Everywhere". But not this year. If you want to see him this year look somewhere in the bleachers...he will be sitting right next to Shame and Arrogance.

Rap Snob - Episode 102

Sean Price is currently my favorite rapper on the planet. (Along with Ghostface Killah of course). But dude is consistently an arrogant asshole who hates rappers but respects the old school art of MC'ing. Sean P Balances Hardcore Rap and Humor perfectly. And He punches Through School Busses. P!!!!!!!!!!

Figure Four

I know I should be Pissed off but.............

The Crows from the movie Dumbo are freakin' hilarious.



I know they caught a lot of hell for representing negative black stereotypes, and that might be true...actually, I know it's true. it's obvious, but I'm sorry...This sh*t is funny. Through all the shuckin' & jivin, broken english, brotha this, brotha that, the intent is clear. And if that still isn't enough proof, the HCIC (Head Crow In Charge) is named Jim Crow. Say no more...but i don't care. Like I said, the sh*t is funny. *Kanye Shrug*.



Hilarious! And not funny in the Tyler Perry "I'm exploiting negative stereotypes of my own people because it's an easy way to make money" way but more Funny in the Spike Lee/Bamboozled "This is so over the top and ridiculous that you can't help but to laugh" way. At least that's what I tell myself after laughing hysterically at this racist bullsh*t. I will give my inner Nat Turner the day off and laugh my ass off at the Dumbo Crows Birds and I don't see anything wrong with that. However...F*ck Mudflap and Skids (aka Jigaboo and Coon) from Transformers 2. Lookin' like extra's from Roots. F*ck them.





Michael Bay deserved a chop in the throat for that sh*t.

Rap Snob - Episode 101

The rap hater is officially dead. Introducing the Rap Snob. THe Rap Hater Experiment taught me that I don't really hate rap, I just hate bullsh*t music. What do I consider bullsh*t music? Well I haven't figured that out yet, so I listen to everything....at least once.

The only way to truly tell is to let my ears do all the work...Through my travels, as I stumble upon some hidden gems, classics, underground hits, sleepers, etc. I will post them. so now for the first installment of the Rap Snob series. The following are a few of the stand out tracks from my New Favorite Album, Pilot Talk by Curren$y. Beautiful Beats and southern Lyriscism at it's finest. I like to describe Curren$y as Conscious Weed Rap that has a sound and feel similar smoking hash in space with Lil Wayne and Langston Hughes while Herbie Hancock and Pete ROck jam in the background...Yeah, something like that.

King Kong



Address (Feat. Stalley)



Prioritize (Feat. Nesby Phelps)

La Fin Du Monde

Another classic from My Brothers at The 3rd Estate.



Check out their store here.

Never.....Ever Interrupt Mike Tyson. Ever

Mike Tyson is one of my favorite public speakers on the planet. Of course he was a great Boxer as well, but somehow his boxing dominance was always over shadowed by his eloquence when it came to crafting masterpieces using words. And I promise you, I'm not being funny. He is a wordsmith, a poet and a verbal genius of articulation. Ok I'm exaggerating now. But here is one of his most notorious Quotes in all of it's vulgar (disturbing to some)and menacing glory.

Shout out to Blackout for sending the video.



DAMN!!!!!!!!!

The Moral of the story: Don't F*ck with Mike Tyson. Even more importantly, don't interrupt him in the middle of a tirade. Because the result will have you feeling like you just got scooped up in one of those fight clouds in old cartoons.



The other Moral of the story is, that if you ever piss Mike Tyson off. Make sure you don't let him get behind you. (Just in case...That was a JOKE Mike!! I don't want you to try to make me love you.) The only thing I regret is not being able to see this douchebag's face when Mike addressed him. That Coward probably thought his voice would just disappear into the chaos and he would be protected by anonymity. Kind of like those assholes who talk sh*t on the internet through blogs and other websites. Oops. Let me shut up now. I'm out.

F*ck Brett Favre.

I wish this asshole would shut the hell up and spare us of his moral conundrum...or perhaps more appropriate, his FINANCIAL conundrum with all this pissing and moaning about whether he's going to retire or not. MAKE UP YOUR F'ING MIND AND STFU! If you ask me, it has nothing to do with his love of the game, which he always reminds us with his crocodile tears and forced sobs that would make Scott Peterson proud. This back and forth charade for the past 3 years has always been about an old washed up relic fighting to stay relevant by keeping his name on everybody's mind...and now my dumb ass has fallen for his trap. Never mind. I'm out!

Source: ESPN.com

BlackDroog : Resurrection

BlackDroog.com is back from the Dead. Updates coming soon...



Picture Source.