The Super Group

In the 90’s labels weren’t offering many solo deals so then came the rise of the Super Group. Duck Down is the leader of the super group. They combined solo acts Smif N Wesson, OGC (Originoo Gunn Clappaz), Heltah Skeltah and Black Moon into a super group that went on to release several compilation projects. The Wu-Tang Clan was one of the first supergroups to have mainstream global success. The Wu-Tang is a collective of solo artists all signed to individual deals but part of the same group. At the time this was accomplished no other artist or group had done it, so it was a groundbreaking feat. Since then there have been numerous successful labels who have followed the same formula.

Master P and his No Limit Records imprint was very successful, followed by Cash Money Records signing a huge deal with Universal that basically propelled southern rap to the industry forefront. For awhile super groups faded in favor of catz making more money by going solo. Over the last few years and decline of album sales the industry has been forced to re-adopt the concept. Below I posted music by super groups from the past, present and future Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Special Teamz, SlaughterHouse, Diplomats, La Coka Nostra, Wu-Tang Clan, Check 'em out and tell a friend to tell a friend.

Graff Art

This post is dedicated to the most unappreciated element of Hip-Hop Graffiti. I love Graff Art! I was skilled with the pen and paint can long before I picked-up the mic. Graffiti is a general term and holds some negative connotations (closed minded people only associate graffiti with vandalism) which is why I use the term Graff art. It is art and while vandalism may be associated with graffiti it is NOT a part of the art form. Graff Art comes in various styles. There are murals like the type done by fine arts painters, also lettering, or abstract pieces. 

Mr. Cartoon started as a sick graff artist before taking his talents into the tattoo parlor. DJ Kay Slay used to be known as the artist Dezzy DEZ and was featured in the film Style Wars. Below are a few pieces of Graff art from artists Mears, Axis, Dash, Hex, Jest, Kofie, El Mac, Pimp, Such, Plex, Fresno, Sleep, Styles, Tyke, Risky, LadyPink, Siner, Spurn and Zombie. Check it out!

Next Generation

The next generation of rappers have been steadily making their mark in the industry. All four are from different parts of the map and spit with a unique style. Freddie Gibbs (Gary, IN), Kendrick Lamar (Compton, CA), Curren$y (New Orleans, LA) and  Termanology (Lawrence, MA).

Freddie Gibbs,  has a monster underground buzz cuz of his machine gun fire delivery and hard lyrics.(I like that catz flow) Kendrick Lamar, worked with Dr. Dre on detox. Curren$y, is a veteran who used to be signed to Cash Money back in 2005. He got released from their label started his own label and is finally getting some shine. Termanology, has been building a buzz on the underground since 2006 before hitting mainstream success. He recently released the project 1982 with DJ Statik Selektah. Check 'em out.

3D Printers

Normally the only way you would see me posting about a printer, is if it printed money or played Hip-Hop music. Three dimensional (3D) printers are not your typical printer!

They make fully functioning scale models out of plastic and other materials from whatever design is placed inside. This technology is being applied to science, medicine, snowboard design, and even space exploration. These are the printers of the future. I posted a few clips below...see for yourself.   

Album Reviews

Allot of music came out in 2010 some good some whack. I recently got to listen to several albums released during 2010 that might have gone unnoticed. I never review music that I don't like, cuz I don't believe in giving bad press. If you're familiar with my previous posts you know how I grade music. If you're unfamiliar here's the scoop. I rate in a five star system 5 being the highest 1 the lowest.  

The elements of a good album are production, dope rhymes, delivery, and overall message. That's four points and the last is a combination of the minor details. For example, If the album has to many interludes, to many features and not enough solo tracks, or if the artists image and music aren't congruent then the album loses value. With that said lets get it in. 

Lloyd Banks - Hunger For More 2  **** (4)

This former 50 cent prodigy has managed to break out of his mentors shadow and stake a claim for his own success. H.F.M.2 is a hard hitting hip-Hop album featuring some dope singles such as (Beamer, Benz, and Bentley) and collabos with artists, Raekwon, Styles P, Swizz Beats, Pusha-T, and others.

Capone-N-Noreaga (CNN) The War Report 2 *** (3.5)

 CNN rose to success in the 1990's with the original war report which featured sharp flows and grimy street tales. The War Report 2 is an attempt to capture that same manic energy. The project is good and it does have some stand out singles like Bodega Stories (Feat. The L.O.X.) and Dutches vs. Phillies vs. Bamboo (Feat. Raekwon). Although I still prefer the original War report, part 2 would make a nice addition to any CNN fans catalog.

Stat Quo  - Statlanta ***(3.75)

Its been several years since Stat Quo talked about the Statlanta album and its finally here. Stat Quo came to fame as part of Dr. Dre's Aftermath imprint, when he was looking for talent in Atlanta for one of his side projects. Stat Quo impressed Dre with his flow and began making music with him. The album was supposed to be released in 2003 but do to label issues it was released in 2010 and it was worth the wait. Stat Quo drops a variety of styles spitting with a southern twang over some head-nodding production. 

Talib Kweli – Gutter Rainbows ****(4.25) 

This album is dope...plain and simple. I've been a Talib Kweli fan since his days in Black Star with Mos Def, so this review is biased. To be fair I'll stick to the facts. This project has Talib Kweli showing lyrical diversity, talking on a variety of subjects over top quality production. The album is filled with singles like I’m On One, Palookas feat. Sean Price, Uh Oh feat. Jean Grae and collaborations with emcees, singers and musicians. If you're going to buy one CD this month...this is the album.