The Lowdown (9/22)

Upcoming releases for this tuesday are headlined by myspace pop reggae sensation, Sean Kingston. J.R. Rotem's prime protege returns with his sophomore album, Tomorrow. With production credits to RedOne, Just Blaze and Lucas Secon, among others, as well as guest appearances from Good Charlotte and Wyclef Jean, Kingston hopes to solidify his stature in the pop market. Lead Single: "Fire Burning", "Face Drop"

Underground star, Brother Ali prepares to release his third major release in Us. Entirely produced by Ant of Atmosphere, the albino rapper from Minnesota attempts to continue his consistent stream of releases to critical acclaim. Guests include Joell Ortiz, Freeway, Chuck D and Stokley Williams. Lead Single: "Fresh Air"

The Lowdown (9/15)

A handful of new releases this past tuesday, with newcomer, KiD CuDi headlining them all. Mr. "Day N Nite" hails from Cleveland, Ohio and delivers his debut album, titled, Man On The Moon: The End Of Day, released through G.O.O.D. Music/Universal Motown. CuDi created a buzz with his critically acclaimed mixtape, A Kid Named Cudi, which spawned the radio hit, "Day N Nite". Working mainly with Emile, Plain Pat and Ratatat, CuDi offers a unique brand of rap, that involves both rapping and singing. Lead Single: "Day N Nite", "Make Her Say (feat. Common & Kanye West)", "Pursuit Of Happiness (feat. MGMT & Ratatat)"

Bursting onto the scene with their dance craze, Cali duo, New Boyz deliver their debut, Skinny Jeanz And A Mic. With their radio/club hit, "You're A Jerk", the duo has seen great success and hopes to continue that movement with their follow up single, "Tie Me Down (feat. Ray J)". Offering some style and youth to the rap game, they deliver their full length, rather than the originally planned EP. Lead Single: "You're A Jerk", "Tie Me Down (feat. Ray J)"

Miami veteran and hip hop's most known thug, Trick Daddy returns after three years with Finally Famous: Born A Thug, Still A Thug. Ditching the major label (Atlantic Records), Trick has decided to take things into his own hands, releasing off his own label, Dunk Ryder Records. With lesser known guests, resident Miami rappers, and mainly in house or Miami related producers, Trick continues to deliver the loud mouthed thug anthems he's been known for. Lead Single: "Da Realist (feat. KC)"

Louisiana native, Lil' Boosie returns with his sophomore release, SuperBad: The Return Of Boosie Bad Azz. Released off Trill Ent./Asylum, Boosie gained success with his debut, from street number, "Zoom (feat. Yung Joc)". With his high pitched nasally flow, Boosie keeps things in house with producers, B Real, Mouse and BJ, with Grand Hustle producers Nard & B handling a number, as well as The Runners. Lead Single: "Better Believe It (feat. Young Jeezy & Webbie)"

Raw, loud, and hardbody New York duo, M.O.P. finally releases their much anticipated fifth album, The Foundation. Dealing with label politics, first Roc-A-Fella, then G-Unit, they signed with Koch/E1 to finally give their fans what they had been working on. With production from DJ Premier, Nottz among others, fans will be glad to hear their newest release. Lead Single: "Crazy (feat. Termanology)", "Street Life (feat. Demarco)"

Two New York veterans hope to bring rap back to his roots with their new release, a collaborative effort between KRS-One & Buckshot. The new effort, Survival Skills features fellow Boot Camp Clik rappers, Smif-N-Wessun, Heltah Skeltah, as well as Immortal Technique and Talib Kweli. Production comes from Havoc, Black Milk, Nottz, and 9th Wonder. Lead Single: "Robot"

Last, but not least, Q-Tip finally releases his third album, Kamaal The Abstract. Intended for release after his debut, Amplified, the label wouldn't push it, due to lack of confidence in its sales. It had received acclaim from several publications before who had heard it.

Album Review: Jay-Z-The Blueprint 3

Releasing an album based off a movie, American Gangster was a successful return to the complex lyrical talents of Hova. Back to his famed Blueprint series that began with his ’01 classic, the third installment arrives.

What We Talkin’ About: Synth heavy backing, Jay makes things evident that he’s headed into a new direction. Stating he “doesn’t run rap anymore, I run the map”, shows his focus on bigger things, as he gets at fans that complain of his lyrical matter. 3/5

Thank You: The grand and elegant sounds of Kanye and No I.D. come through, as horns play with a relaxed Jay at his most silly. Similar to Em’s sense of sarcasm, Jay uses a fun flow here, thanking his fans. 3/5

D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune): The street single that raised hype for the album, its one of the best tracks. Jay simply goes in on the production, stating rappers are “T-Paining too much”. No I.D. creates one of the best musical productions of the year, as the saxophone beautifully plays throughout. 4/5

Run This Town: Ye & No I.D. connect again for the charts and commercial success, as Rihanna’s croon appeals to the pop audience. Jay sounds focused, while Kanye continues his onslaught of hot guest verses. Solid banger that works for radio. 4/5

Empire State Of Mind: Al Shux creates a good drum pattern mixed with piano keys, while Jay spits about the lavish living in his state of New York. While things are a bit stale while Jay spits, the track truly comes to life with an inspirational hook by Alicia Keys. The hook makes the track, while Jay is in cruise mode, creating a worthy ode to his hometown. 3.5/5

Real As It Gets: Celebratory vibe by The Inkredibles, while Jeezy’s raspy vocals glaze the hook and a verse. Jay and Jeezy have had better collaborations, but this is a decent album track that mainly works off the tone set by the production. 3.5/5

On To The Next One: This one will be hated or loved, as Swizzy drops some robotic militant production with a sample and eerie keys. One for the clubs that is somewhat catchy as it is annoying. 3/5

Off That: Club ready production by Timbaland isn’t bad, while Jay has some fun, attempting to make something for the clubs. Drake’s appearance is wasted as just a hype tool of his name, simply dropping a mediocre hook, while the track isn’t bad. Jay even gets some shots at Bill O’Reilly, “this ain’t black verse white my n***a we off that, please tell Bill O’Reilly to fall back”. 2.5/5

A Star Is Born: Bringing back the soul samples, feel good vibe horns and slapping claps set the sound for Jay to give listeners a history of rap stars. Name dropping everyone from T.I. to Wu Tang to 50 to Wayne, Roc Nation signee, J. Cole shines in the guest spot, sounding hungry. 3.5/5

Venus Vs. Mars: Timbo’s production is interesting, however Jay’s flow and the hook make this track the worst on the album. The track becomes dull and the futuristic sounds by Timbaland fail to match the previous magic the two have created. 1/5

Already Home: Up and comer Kid Cudi handles the hook, while the production by Kanye is fitting. The track really rides nicely as Jay makes it known for those that think their in the same league, “the fact is, we not in the same bracket, don’t shoot at the same baskets, don’t pay the same taxes”. Lyrically one of the stronger tracks. 4/5

Hate: The track sounds very much like an 808 & Heartbreak leftover, as the autotuned vocals in the background falter miserably. Kanye & Jay try different, unique flows but the track becomes too awkward and weird that it isn’t taken seriously, becoming a skipper. 1.5/5

Reminder: Timbo’s futuristic attempts continue here, with an annoying hook and eerie synth creation, the track is another filler of disappointment. Jay’s boasting is overdone here and the track is simply dull. 1.5/5

So Ambitious: Pharrell handles the hook while the beat is smooth. Jay doesn’t say too much here, but its much better than the previous numbers. 3/5

Young Forever: Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Music artist, Mr. Hudson sings on the hook, while somber synths and hi hats set the tempo. Jay does the track justice, delivering some worthy lyricism, as well as a good finisher to the album. 3.5/5

Nearing 40 and delivering his 11^th album, its pretty impressive Jay has managed to stay in the game this long. This album is a testament to his longevity and talent, while haters say he should hang it up, he continues to create quality music, proving them wrong. By no means is it a classic, but its a pretty solid album considering the lyrical complexity expressed on American Gangster. Its obvious from the start that Jay was going for a new sound and direction, as there is more focus on musical productions. With Kanye handling the most of the beats, things turn out fairly well, starting with No I.D.’s brilliant composition for “D.O.A.” that has Jay going off at autotuners. “Run This Town” handles the commercial charts with its pop star power, while Jay basks in the glory with Jeezy on the solid “Real As It Gets”. Alicia Keys drops a stunning hook on “Empire State Of Mind”, making the track inspirational, while Kid Cudi joins Jay on “Already Home” featuring some of Jay’s best lyrics. Not everything is great however, mainly from Timbo’s futuristic attempts, as “Off That” is a decent club number, but “Reminder” is simply annoying and “Venus Vs. Mars” suffers from the hook and flow, Jay uses. A solid album that shows Jay has more to offer in his career.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Album Review: Raekwon-Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. II

One of hip hops most anticipated albums, Raekwon finds the right label and delivers the sequel.

House Of Flying Daggers: The late J Dilla’s production here is on point and after the familiar intro, things are right on track. All Wu members sound focused and hungry, ripping the string stabbing beat. The hook is a flip of “Clan In Da Front” and things sound like old school Wu. 4.5/5

Sonny’s Missing: Rae spits that vivid imagery about jumping an enemy dealer. Pete Rock’s production rides smoothly, allowing Rae’s lyrics to paint the picture of a stickup. 3.5/5

Pyrex Vision: Strumming guitars ride behind, while Rae delivers his thoughts while cookin up in the kitchen. 3/5

Cold Outside: The Wu seem to find those raw singers, as Ghost did with Popa Don on Big Doe Rehab, here, Suga Bang delivers some raw crooning. Horn filled beat with an epic feel, Ghost & Rae deliver tales of the cold streets. Here its more of an emotional tip rather than street, as they reflect on deaths of fellow gangbangers, while Ghost vividly depicts a tale about a rugged house and corrupt family. 4/5

Black Mozart: RZA delivers good work with a creepy organ line, as Inspectah Deck and Rae come focused. Stinging guitar stabs are strewn throughout, while RZA croons a bit on the hook. 3.5/5

Gihad: The beat has a riding bassline, while Ghost hilariously reminisces on a night about being with trick, while her man gets angry. The hook is solid, as Rae confidently states, “hood all day n***a, watch how we take the town, that’s why we do the do, just know who is who and acknowledge that Wu is Wu”. Ghost finishes the track with his mobster trash talk, telling the man to get him a ice cold 40 and a steak and baloney for his eye. 3.5/5

New Wu: Soul sample in the back, as Meth and Ghost represent that the Wu is very much alive in 2009. Method creates a fitting hook, while Ghost spits “laying n***as like ceramic towel, I’m like Urlacher beastin at the type of the pile, kneeing n***as in the nuts, damn I’m foul.” 4/5

Penitentiary: Frantic keys and snapping boom bap drums hit hard, while Rae and Ghost rap about dealing that white in the penitentiary. Detailed lyricism from both that makes the track memorable. 3.5/5

Baggin Crack: Chopping beat that reminds of the Chef cutting the crack. Similar to “Pyrex Vision”, a interlude that describes a quick deal of that white. 3/5

Surgical Gloves: Decent beat that tends to get a bit repetitive. Decent hook that has Rae going in on the beat. 2.5/5

Broken Safety: With a kung fu skit, things get back on track with Lox members, Jadakiss and Styles P joining Rae. Jadakiss doesn’t quite come as hard, but Rae’s flow is on point and Styles sounds hungry. Styles recalls, “I used to move brown rectangles, roll you a blunt to smoke you wit death’s angels, makin ya neck dangle, blue trey eights makin ya chest mangled”. 3.5/5

Canal Street: Commanding triumphant horns hit hard, as Rae makes his presence known with the burners and product. Rae goes in on this joint, solidifying their status in the drug game. 3.5/5

Ason Jones: Rae pours a cup, while J Dilla’s soulful beat sets the tone perfectly, while Rae dedicates a number to the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Truly the most somber moment on the album that shows a truly heartfelt showcase to his fellow Wu brother. 5/5

Have Mercy: Beanie is at his most vulnerable with a verse from the mindset of being incarcerated. Smooth beat and background singing, but the track is a bit dull. The hook is merely decent, but lyrically its on point. 3/5

10 Bricks: Twangy guitar strums and horns are put together by the late J Dilla, as Cappadonna, Ghost and Rae serve the track justice. Cappadonna delivers a worthy verse and you can’t help but love Ghost’s liveliness. 4/5

Fat Lady Sings: String accompaniment, as Rae brings some energy to describe another stickup. 3/5

Catalina: Dre’s West Coast vibe sounds great here, as Lyfe delivers that street edge on the hook while Rae is at his most vivid. 4/5

We Will Rob You: Solid posse cut with GZA, Masta Killa and Slick Rick to introduce the track. Playful number that has some decent production. 3.5/5

About Me: The doctor is back with a piano laced number, along with Busta with a guest spot. Another good track with the Dre, as Rae and Buss let em know who they are. 3.5/5

Mean Streets: Inspectah Deck & Ghost join Rae for this number about the tough streets. Deck sounds invigorated, delivering strong bars, while Ghost is charismatic. 3.5/5

Kiss The Ring: Great ender, Scram delivers the goods with a sample that is celebratory, yet keeps things not too soft. Inspectah Deck and Masta Killa help finish out the album with worthy verses. 4/5

Walk Wit Me: Delivering a Caribbean tale of a drug deal, Rae depicts vivid lyricism. 3/5

Badlands: Another solid bonus that has a panicked sound with off kilter guitar, decent. 2.5/5

Rae’s fourth solo is a return to him in his best form. As far as a sequel, its the best that it could have been. Rae couldn’t remake the magic of the original, but here, he delivers something close and worthy. Sure, at 22 tracks its a bit long, and you could nitpick at which tracks should have been mixtape numbers, but the production overall is well done. The vivid crack tales in the rough streets of New York are all there, with the charismatic Ghost delivering his hilarious rhymes, and Rae’s cool demeanor keeping things interesting. J Dilla shines, with the best numbers, Dre drops two good numbers and the other contributors also put in good work. In an era of dance rap and weak lyricism, Rae spits vivid tales that Wu fans will love. This is another win for the Wu, for those that have been waiting, cop it and bump, cause Rae delivers.

Rating: 9 out of 10

The Lowdown (9/8)

Apologies to those that have read my blog, but over the summer I was very busy. Now I'm back at it and hoping to stick with the updates. Sadly, I am unable to upload albums for download, but I will deliver any random news that I come across, as well as release dates and album reviews. I have decided to place my paragraph styled reviews here, and then for the song by song breakdowns, you can check my reviews on iTunes, under the name of btaznpride.

Today, two major releases from NY drops. Jay-Z releases his eleventh solo album, The Blueprint 3, which continues the Blueprint series. Based off his famed classic, The Blueprint, the second in the series didn't fair so well, being overlong and not as focused. With features from Rihanna, Kanye West, Drake, KiD CuDi, Alicia Keys, among others, the album seems to have quite a bit of starpower. Production is handled mainly by Kanye West & No I.D., with appearances by Swizz Beatz, Timbaland and The Neptunes. Originally slated for a September 11th release, to coincide with the release of the original Blueprint, it was announced that the date was pushed up to the 8th without any reasoning. Lead Single: "D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune)", "Run This Town (feat. Kanye West & Rihanna)"

The next release is one that has been highly anticipated for quite sometime. Wu Tang member, Raekwon, goes back in the kitchen to cook up his sequel to his classic debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, back in 1995. Now in 2009, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. II arrives, after several delays and now being situated label-wise with EMI and his own Icewater Records. Production comes from Pete Rock, J Dilla, RZA, Dr. Dre, Scram Jones, while guests include Wu brethren, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Cappadonna, Masta Killa, GZA, as well as Beanie Sigel, Lyfe Jennings, Slick Rick and Busta Rhymes. Lead Single: "House Of Flying Daggers (feat. Method Man, Ghostface Killah & Inspectah Deck)", "New Wu (feat. Method Man & Ghostface Killah)"