Kid Cudi Man on the Moon Album Review

(Kid Cudi's "Man on the Moon: The End of Day") Buy Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon album MP3 download for just $3.99! Man On The Moon: The End Of Day (Bonus Tracks) [Explicit] Download Kid Cudi ringtones at Funtonia! Kid Cudi's a relatively new rapper on the scene out of Cleveland, Ohio. Parte Lupe Fiasco, part Pharrell/Kanye West, part Cee-Lo, with his sing songy nature he's a unique entry into hip hop these days. He made it bigtime when his song "Day N' Nite" blew up on radio, and he guest appeared on Kanye West's "808's and Heartbreak" album. Momentum started to build for the rapper as he released a mixtape in traditional fashion, and the anticipation grew for his first solo album, "Man On The Moon End of Day". His follow-up single "Make Her Say" featured Kanye West & Common, and sampled Lady Gaga's "Poker Face". The result was another hit for Cudi on the charts. What sets Cudi apart from other rappers looking to make it big is his sing-songy style which also seems to appeal to fans of Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West and even throwback pioneers such as Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Del tha Funkee Homosapien and Jungle Brothers. Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon album dropped just today Tuesday September 15th, 2009 and after listening to it multiple times over the past weeks, it's well worth the purchase and listen. Cudi takes the listener on a vivid, eery, gloomy and even upbeat journey through his mind and soul. Kid Cudi's Soundtrack to My Life lyrics opens with the rapper spitting: "I've got 99 problems, and they all bitches..Wish I was Jigga man, carefree livin'" and sets the tone for his album from there, discussing the pitfalls, words of encouragement, dark thoughts, blunted mentality, and "whatever man" attitude that he needs to survive in life as well as the rap fame game. At some points Cudi's release is part depressing nightmare over mellow backdrops; at others it's got a more uptempo, inspirational feel, taking you on a roller coaster journey through the rapper's mind. Cudi lets loose over the futuristic synth funkadelic beat on "Cudi Zone" with rapid fire rhyming skills to showcase he's more than just "sing songy". "Sky Might Fall" and "Heart of a Lion" both show the positive, inspired side of the rapper, while the final track is his ode to lighting up and going "Up, Up and Away" from all haters or critics. What Cudi does well on this first album is create a colorful mindscape of lyrics and beats which listeners can relate to all over. While he's not the top emcee in the game or looking to win that award right now, he's got the gift of introspection other rappers seem to lack. 15 tracks deep, there's no skits other than Common narrating at the end of tracks to bring you through the mindscape of Cudi. Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon is easily one of the top 3 hip-hop releases of 2009, along with Mos Def & Raekwon's latest works. Cudi doesn't let himself be overshadowed by guest stars, as Kanye and Common are the big names, while he brings some other newer rappers on board for a few tracks. The album is well worth the download or record store purchase. Pick it up, buckle up, and enjoy the wild ride through the variety of sing-songy, emotion-laden tracks of an emerging rap star's mind. Buy Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon album MP3 download for just $3.99! Man On The Moon: The End Of Day (Bonus Tracks) [Explicit] Download Kid Cudi ringtones at Funtonia! Preview Kid Cudi's full album on his official Myspace!

Common's Universal Mind Control Album

Universal Mind Control by Common Prepare to have your mind universally controlled by fresh new rap music. Rap star Common is back with a brand new album and the rapper always seems to breathe new life into the rap game. He started way back as Common Sense with "Can I Borrow a Dollar?" featuring a unique style of out the Chi-town. Common's latest album entitled Universal Mind Control drops Tuesday December 9th, chock full of 10 new tracks by one of the top lyricists around today. Track listing: 1. Universal Mind Control (UMC) 2. Punch Drunk Love 3. Make My Day 4. Sex 4 Suga 5. Announcement 6. Gladiator 7. Changes 8. Inhale 9. What A World 10. Everywhere You have to wonder if Common's foray into Hollywood acting is having a slight effect on his selection of material for albums. After listening to previews of the new tracks, it's a different sound for Common, maybe even more mellow than his last two albums and perhaps more full of romantic excursions than ever before. His last two albums Finding Forever and Be were well-received and near hip-hop classics. This time around Common doesn't have as much help from fellow Chicago rapper/producer Kanye West. Dont dismiss the album just yet, because a Common album on its worst day can outdo some of today's watered-down rap acts on their best days. Common still delivers lyrically and there's plenty to offer on the album for his fans. The Gladiator (Gladiator lyrics) and UMC are perhaps the two hardest tracks on the album. Changes offers an inspiring dedication to Obama running for president and how it can change our nation. Universal Mind Control is definitely sounding like another great album from Common, but will not surpass his previous two efforts. Also see Rap Music Lyrics for The Gladiator by Common Get Kanye West ringtones for your mobile phone

Rap Music Lyrics - The Gladiator by Common

One of the fiercest tracks off the new Common album Universal Mind Control (out December 9, 2008) is entitled Gladiator. The track's a no-holds barred verbal attack by Common on the rap game and anyone who tries to test his skills on the mic. Common's always been known for bringing top-notch rhymes and this track is no different. In the uptempo song, Com makes reference to everyone from Kimbo Slice to George Foreman to Mike Vick with his all out assault. Check out the lyrics below and definitely grab a copy of the new Common album, Universal Mind Control. The Gladiator by Common Lyrics Album: Universal Mind Control Chorus: There's nothing you could do... There's nothing you could do... There's nothing you could do... There's nothing you could do... They say he's a radical, he don't fit the game A heart full of glory and a fist full of pain, a couple of battle scars, but s--t's the same.. Are you not entertained? So all the onlookers and the bystanders wait til intermission, run buy your cameras record the moment, cuz it'll be played in em' and you can say you seen Common rock the stadium! VERSE 1: I was told by Razzo to come from the heart Though I mighta did the Light, I don't run from the dark a dark night to spark mics and stop fights The warrior-op type like Kimbo Slice a spliff in the beard, am I loved or feared? a beast among boys like Paul Im Revered Voo voo voo voo voo voo, well- Like Jake the Jew-el I keep clientele You're frail on the mic like you might break a nail I might smoke a joint but I won't take a L I knew a fat broad that broke the scale-el Still touchdown, cuz I was off Montell Had dreams of breakin Mike Vick outta jail Took the underground rail to the N-F-L I re-bel in my S-L Here to leave a trail like Nelson Man-del CHORUS: There's nothing you could do... (Man why you wanna go against me?) There's nothing you could do... (You seen where I'm from) There's nothing you could do... (You seen what I do-) There's nothing you could do... They say he's a radical, he don't fit the game A heart full of glory and a fist of pain a couple of battle scars, but s--t's the same... - Are you not entertained? So all the onlookers and the bystanders Wait til intermission, run buy your cameras Record the moment, cuz it'll be played in em' And you can say you seen Common rock the stadium! - The Gladiator.... VERSE 2: My words is the sword, my skill is the shield, My life is the style, I stay dressed to kill, A legend like Will, Smith with the steel, I can save the world when s--t get fo real! A Skinny George Foreman, all in your grill My rhyme style is blind, it's all in the feel Touchin it, and watch the bloodfall when it spill Your weak raps you wrote you can call that your will My drive (VROOM!) is how I stay alive kid Your guys got you gassed, my flows are hybrid Crashed I survived it, gaskets over eylids You easy to take out cuz you hot garbage. I'm amped like wattage, the truth n---a honest, Any moment opponents drop out like college, Here to pay homage to the rap stiddy-starters, Stadium, hands in the air, fists balled up! The Gladiator... CHORUS: There's nothing you could do.. (You know what it is) There's nothing you could do.. (The boy is raw) There's nothing you could do.. (So who next?) There's nothing you could do.. They say he's a radical, he don't fit the game A heart full of glory and a fist full of pain a couple of battle scars, but s--t's the same - are you not entertained? So all the onlookers and the bystanders, Wait til intermission, run buy your cameras record the moment, cuz it'll be played in em' And you can say you seen Common rock the stadium! The Gladiator... Verse 3: Feet in the dirt, blood on his shirt Scars over bars, symbols of the work Tight-closed to armor, sense of utter drama Defeat your whole army like this is Sparta So don't violate or you get violated Some of you model b----s is so overrated Don't mean to understate it, but damnit I made it In the water I waded, on the wall I painted Draw blood like we related, emcees get dee-decapitated, Synchopated is the style that I fight with, write with- Mr. excitement change your face up like a white chick Light s--t up like a dread with the herbs Your sex & the city and head in the burbs, These are the words of the rad-ical The crowd applaud, I bowed I'm proud - The Gladiator Chorus: There's nothing you could do.. (How could you even question this?) There's nothing you could do.. (Now you know...) There's nothing you could do.. (The Future.) There's nothing you could do.. They say he's a radical, he don't fit the game A heart full of glory and a fist of pain a couple of battle scars, but s--t's the same - are you not entertained? So all the onlookers and the bystanders, Wait til intermission, run buy your cameras Record the moment, cuz it will be played in em' And you can say you seen Common rock the stadium! The Gladiator- Related entries: Rap Music Lyrics - Brooklyn (Go Hard) by Jay-Z feat. Santogold Universal Mind Control by Common

Rap Stars & Obama - Celebrate Victory

It's no secret that President-elect Barack Obama was favored by Oprah Winfrey, and received a shout out in Common's song "The People". A more recent backer of the winning candidate was Jay-Z, who held a few concerts over the course of one weekend to encourage more people to vote Obama in 2008. Jay-Z made the following pre-election comments at a special 11-hour pledge in the Uptown Theatre of Philly. Jay-Z channelled black political heroes of the past, saying: "I need y'all to be really, really quiet for this. I need you to really understand what I'm telling you. Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King could walk. Martin Luther King walked so Obama could run. Obama's running so we all can fly." (Source: guardian.co.uk) Diddy also claims he felt like his vote is the one that put Obama into office. Diddy voted at a school in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday. There's also been several Obama-victory-celebration tracks created already. Jay-Z recently unveiled the track "History" on Angie Martinez's Hot 97 Radio Show. Busta Rhymes has created a remix called "Pop the Champagne - Barack Campaign" and Common has "Changes", an Obama inspired track. Read more about the Obama rap tracks here.

Common's Invincible New Album

Great hip hop minds think alike. According to a recent Billboard.com article, rapper Common will have an "electro-tinged" feel to his next album entitled "Invincible Summer". Kanye West, his friend, producer and collaborative guest many times, first did this sorta thing on the critically-acclaimed, award winning "Graduation" album released last year. Ironically this new Common album doesn't include a single bit of Kanye on production, but instead has The Neptunes and Outkasts' producer Mr. DJ at the helm. According to Billboard.com: "Kanye was focusing on his 'Glow in the Dark' show, so he hasn't been able to make it to the studio to weigh in," Common says. "But it worked out well, organically. The Neptunes & Mr. DJ came up with a fresh sound for me." Cee-Lo and The Neptunes' pop group, Chester French, guest on the album, but Common says singer-MC Santogold is "one of my favorite artists right now" and adds that he's awaiting a verse from her for the track "Runaway," which draws its guitar riff from Pat Benatar's 'Love Is A Battlefield." The first single is due out by the end of this month called "Universal Mind Control (U.M.C.)". It's said to be a "high-energy" track, featuring techno-inspired drums. Here's a look at the early tracklist for Invincible: "Universal Mind Control (U.M.C.)" "Make My Day" feat. Cee-Lo "Punch Love" "What A World" feat. Chester French "Changes" "Party Shit" "Dreaming" "Runaway" feat. Santogold Read more at Billboard.com.

Yes We Can! Rappers for Obama

In the past there's been all sorts of musical movements to promote important causes, raise awareness and generate money for charity. Farm Aid and the We are the World USA for Africa are just two examples that come to mind. With the 2008 election approaching to determine our next US president, Black Eyed Peas frontman, will.i.am has produced a star studded song to endorse democratic candidate Barack Obama. The all black and white music video features the likes of will.i.am, John Legend, Common, Tatyana Ali, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Barack himself. The mellow yet inspirational acoustic song is based on Barack's victory speech from New Hampshire with the three words "Yes We Can" chanted and sung throughout. The video features footage of Barack's powerful speech as well with musicians adding to the song. Suprisingly, Kanye West and Oprah Winfrey, fellow Chicago natives didn't cameo in the video.. So now Barack not only has the backing of Oprah Winfrey and Hulk Hogan, but is endorsed by many other popular celebrities and rappers too. Will this be enough to push Obama into the Oval office for 2008? Watch the full Yes We Can music video here.

Top 10 Albums of 2007

2007 could be described as a lackluster year for rap. It's no disrespect or credit taken from some of the top artists and offerings this year, but overall there seemed to be a lot lacking. It could be the continuation of more and more 1 hit wonders and watered down anthems coming out. It made this top 10 list even easier to compile, just in time for the arrival of a new year, and hopefully more great releases. 1) American Gangster - Jay-Z 2) Graduation - Kanye West 3) Finding Forever - Common 4) 8 Diagrams - Wu Tang Clan 5) Big Doe Rehab - Ghostface 6) Eardrum - Talib Kweli 7) Return of the Mac - Prodigy 8) The Weatherman - Evidence 9) The Cool - Lupe Fiasco 10) UGK - Underground Kingz (Double Disc) The top 3 on my list definitely are several steps above the rest of the list. Jay, Kanye and Common showed brilliance on their releases. Hopefully the Grammy awards will commemorate Kanye or Common for their works as well. I'd love to say the same about other efforts, but it just wasn't there. That's not to say the rest of the top 10 doesn't show flashes of good stuff. They each offer some standout cuts and great music and are worth owning if you're a fan of any of them or rap in general. And there's some other notables that don't quite fit with the "hip-hop" or rap genre even though the artists releasing the album are typically there. Timbaland's compilation, "Shock Value" and the Beastie Boys' instrumental cd, "The Mix Up" are two albums that come to mind that were worthwhile releases in 07'. You can find any of these mentioned albums at iTunes Store Music. Special thanks to Ms. Reb from Rebelvision Network, who has provided her 10 album picks for 2007. These picks come from the Hip-Hop and R&B genre... As I Am - Alicia Keys Futuresex/lovesounds - Justin Timberlake Veteran - Marques Houston The Solution - Beanie Sigel Don't Talk, Just Listen - B5 Welcome to the Zoo - Gorilla Zoe Road to Exclusive - Chris Brown Notebook Paper - Huey UGK - UGK (Uunderground Kings) Back up in Da Chevy - Boyz N Da Hood Thanks again to Ms. Reb, and make sure to stop by Rebelvision Network! You can find all of the above albums and individual tracks for download at iTunes Store Music Also see DJ Destrovega's 2007 Music in Review at Escalator Music!

Rap Music Lyrics 101

Rap Music Lyrics Here's the rap music lyrics for some of the biggest songs in hip hop. These lyrics range from Run DMC to Jay-Z to 50 Cent to Kanye West to MIMS to Soulja Boy. Check back here as more lyrics are added to the listing. All songs available for download at iTunes Store Music Big Pimpin' by Jay-Z Lyrics Big Poppa by B.I.G. Lyrics Big Thangs Poppin by T.I. Lyrics Blue Magic by Jay-Z Lyrics Can't Tell Me Nothing by Kanye West Lyrics Crank Dat Soulja Boy by Soulja Boy Lyrics Eric B is President by Eric B & Rakim Lyrics Fight For Your Right (To Party) by Beastie Boys Lyrics I Get Money by 50 Cent Lyrics In Da Club by 50 Cent Lyrics Lose Yourself by Eminem Lyrics One Love by Nas Lyrics Rappers Delight by Sugar Hill Gang Lyrics Remember the Name by Fort Minor Lyrics Roc Boys by Jay-Z Lyrics Stronger by Kanye West Lyrics The People by Common Lyrics This is Why I'm Hot by MIMS Lyrics Umbrella by Rihaanna feat. Jay-Z Lyrics Walk This Way by Run DMC Lyrics Above songs and albums available at Amazon.com! Download Hip Hop and Rap on iTunes. Check out the Jamster! Homepage for your favorite rap, R&B and music ringtones!

Rap Music Lyrics The People by Common

Here's rap music lyrics for The People by Common. The song appears on Common's 2007 album, Finding Forever. The People by Common (Finding Forever) Louder, louder, Louder, louder, louder, louder Louder, louder, Yeah Yeah, it’s for the People Verse 1: This is street ra-dio, for unsung heroes Ridin in they regal, tryin to stay legal My daughter found Nemo, I found the new primo Yeah you know how we do, we do it for the people And the struggles of the brothas and the folks With lovers under dope, experiment to discover hopes Scuffle for notes, the rougher I wrote, times were harder Went from rocky starter to a voice of a martyr Why white folks focus on dogs and yoga While people on the low end tryin to ball and get over Lyrics are like liquor for the fallen soldiers From the bounce to the ounce, its all our culture Everyday we hustlin, tryna get them custom rims Law we ain’t trustin them, thick broads we lust in them Sick and tired of bunchin it, I look on the bus at them When I see them struggling, I think how I’m touchin them The People The day, has come Now we, are one Just take, your time And then, you’ll find Verse 2: This is street ra-dio, for unsung heroes Ridin in they regal, tryin to stay legal My daughter found Nemo, I found the new primo Yeah you know how we do, we do it for the people The people said that I was sharp on TV [ The People lyrics found on http://www.completealbumlyrics.com ] At the Grammy’s, though they tried to India.Arie me Got back stage, and I bumped into Stevie He said no matter what, the people gone see me Can’t leave rap alone the streets need me Hunger in they eyes, is what seems to feed me Inside peace mixed with beast seem to breed me Nobody believe, until I believe me Now I’m on the rise doin business with my guys Visions realize, music affected lives A gift from the skies, to be recognize I’m keeping my eyes on the people, that’s the prize The day, has come Now we, are one Just take, your time And then, you’ll find Verse 3: This is street ra-dio, for unsung heroes Ridin in they regal, tryin to stay legal My daughter found Nemo, I found the new primo Yeah you know how we do, we do it for the people From Englewood to a single hood in Botswana I see the I in We my n---a, yours is my drama Standin in front of the judge with no honor Barack stick, knight the people like Obama The karma of the streets is needs and takes Sometimes we find peace in beats and breaks Put the bang in the back so the seats can shake Rebel Cadillac music for the people sake The People The day, has come Now we, are one Just take, your time And then, you’ll find See more rap music lyrics.

Kanye's Grammy Graduation

Congrats go out to Kanye West for his recent Grammy nomination for Graduation as Album of the Year. West also leads in number of nominations this year with 8 total which include several song nominations form the album. Rap stars Jay-Z, Timbaland and T-Pain also received 5 nods for various awards at the show. The Beastie Boys received a couple nominations and not even for rapping. Their The Mix-Up instrumental album received a nomination as did a song from it. Here's a look at the always interesting, Best Rap Album category: Best Rap Album * Finding Forever Common [Geffen] * Kingdom Come Jay-Z [Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Recordings] * Hip Hop Is Dead Nas [Def Jam/Columbia/The Jones Experience] * T.I. vs T.I.P. T.I. [Grand Hustle/Atlantic] * Graduation Kanye West [Roc-A-Fella Records] See the entire list of nominees here. The 50th annual Grammys show will be on TV Sunday Feb. 10th at 8 p.m. on CBS.

Perez Hilton's Double Standard

It's amazing that a guy can get paid $8,000 a month just to make fun of celebrities on a blog/website. Enter the world of ironically named, Perez Hilton. While its amazing that someone can pull this sort of loot just for blogging sarcastically about the stars, its equally amazing that people want to read it. Not only that, but Perez manages to set himself up for the double standard, as he puts himself into the public eye on MTV's "Celebrity Rap Superstar". The basis of the MTV show, is yet another American Idol style show, yet this time it involves "celebrities" (term used loosely) as well as famous rapstar coaches who help them try to be rappers. Among the celebrities are Jason from MTV's "The Hills"/"Laguna Beach", Kendra Wilkinson (from Playboy fame) and Pedro (from Napoleon Dynamite). Their coaches include "Wild Thing" rapper Tone Loc, Too Short, Redman, Bubba Sparxxx and MC Lyte. The rapstar coaches help the superstars prepare for a performance each week. Afterwards, a panel of 3 judges (also rappers), critique their performances. One star is eliminated weekly, with fans voting on who stays or goes. And now back to Perez Hilton, who is also amongst the "celebs" trying to be rappers on this new reality game show. Perez puts up various paparazzi pictures on his site Perezhilton.com and then adds in white scribbly lines and drawings. An example is the recent "I'm an Idiot" OJ Simpson picture he had, or his discussions of Britney's drug problems, Christina Aguilera's prengant look or countless other gossipy bits he posts. Now granted on the internet, everyone has an opinion and can voice it, thanks to the advances in online media. But for Perez to criticize celebrities and then throw a tantrum on the above mentioned gameshow, seems to set up a double standard. It's one thing to critcize and ridicule various celebrities, but another to make a fool of yourself and act like a spoiled brat on TV. The question becomes, how does Perez have room to criticize, if he in fact acts this way in the public light? Then again, controversy can help sell and drive most products these days, and the Perezhilton.com site thrives on it. And these days just about anyone can be a star, just look at the "leave Britney alone" guy on YouTube.. View a full video of the recent "Celebrity Rap Superstar" episode, including Perez' antics and berating of the MTV staff.

TI Leads BET Hip Hop Awards

The King of the South, T.I. is leading all nominees for 2007's BET Hip Hop Awards. T.I. has 9 nominations including best collaboration, best live performance, CD of the year and lyricist of the year. According to Billboard.com: "Other artists with multiple nods include Lil' Wayne nad Kanye West with seven, Common with five, Jay-Z with four, Ludacris and 50 Cent with three and Diddy and UGK with two. Meanwhile, KRS-One will be honored with the "I Am Hip Hop" Icon Award during the ceremony. Nelly, Lil' Wayne, West and Common are scheduled to perform at the event, to be held Oct. 13 at the Civic Center in Atlanta. Comedian Katt Williams will host the show, which will air four days later on BET." Album of the Year nominees: "Finding Forever" - Common "Hip Hop Is Dead" - Nas "Kingdom Come" - Jay-Z "Release Therapy" - Ludacris "T.I. vs T.I.P." - T.I. If I were the judge, Common wins this one hands down, but alot of people have been positive about the Ludacris release too. Should be interesting to see who wins it. Check out BET.com's Hip Hop Awards section for all the details. ---------------- Now playing: Kanye West - Good Life (ft. T-Pain) via FoxyTunes

Common Appearance in Hartford, CT

Common recently appeared at a small Hartford, CT "meet and greet" and mini-show last week where he performed a small 3-4 track set. The event was held at Room 960, sponsored by CT radio station Power 104.1. The show was hosted by the radio station's Spank Buddah along with Damian Sincere and DJ London. The songs included "The Light" and "The People" but Common did just 1 or 2 verses. Common also met with fans, took questions about his favorite all-times songs he has done and signed autographs. He remains humble despite his superstar status and that's great to see. Common's Finding Forever is available at Amazon.com and definitely worth the buy. Photos from the event, thanks to Liz for providing them.

MTV's Top 10 Hottest MC's Today

First, here's the breakdown of MTV's list: 10. Jim Jones 9. Common 8. 50 Cent 7. Jay-Z 6. Young Jeezy 5. Kanye West 4. Andre 3000 3. Game 2. T.I. 1. Lil Wayne Let the disagreement start. First off, I don't have Lil Wayne and like a lot of his songs. But having listened to rap for quite a while I can't put him at the 1 spot on that list, especially when I see names on the list more deserving. I'd put Common, Jay-Z or Andre 3000 at the 1 spot before Wayne. In fact, those would be my top 3 if that was the list I was working with. There's some obvious names missing too. Nas is a definite miss by whoever conjured that list up. His album "Hip Hop Was Dead" was praised by many and his wordplay is always on point. Possibly this list is based on sales or who's working with people on projects now, but I'd also consider adding the names Talib Kweli, Papoose, Lupe Fiasco and maybe Saigon on there. That's the real hotness in hip hop. My guess is this list is MTV's temperature taking of hip-hop right now, but Jim Jones has not done much lately since "We Fly High". View the MTV list along with its criteria/explanations here.

Album Review: "Finding Forever" by Common

Many artists tend to stick with the style or gimmick that has worked for them, churning out album after album of similar concept tracks. Common is a breath of fresh air in the hip hop genre, as he continues to elevate his game and style musically. His last album, "Be" was Grammy worthy. It is definitely a classic amongst his other works, many that are also at near classic levels as well. The latest release from Common is "Finding Forever" a collection of 12 tracks and 1 bonus track, "Play Your Cards Right" (from the "Smoking Aces" soundtrack). On Forever, Common continues to elevate his musical game. Points in case are "The People" and "The Game". "The People" examines the struggle and how Common makes music for the people, "the unsung heroes" and those who are struggling. Common examines his own personal struggles and how he's made it to the level he has. "The Game" is a pure example of just how hard Common can be despite the fact his music is generally poetic political, social and cultural examination. With the help of DJ Premiere scratching on the hook and Kanye production, you can't go wrong with either. That leaves 11 more tracks. Other stand outs include "Drivin' Me Wild" which features Lily Allen singing on the hook with a rattling drum beat in the background. It's the love song with classic lines from Common such as "she was the type to watch Oprah and the Today Show, be on the treadmill like OK Go". "Southside" features the only guest rapper, the album's foremost producer "Kanye West", with Comm and West trading lines about their hometown of Chicago. "Black Maybe" while at a slower tempo hits home points of racial prejudice and struggle, with Common starting "I heard a white man's yes is a black maybe". Common continues to provide serious thoughtful examination of cultural, societal and personal struggles through his music, that few rappers today seem to have the ability to convey so well. The final track is a track which makes you seriously stop and think, what is your "forever"? It includes spoken word to finish out the track which gives you the basis for your argument/discussion and personal introspection.

Luda Wins a Grammy; Common Quips at Kanye

Congratulations to Ludacris on winning a Grammy for Best Rap Album for his 2006 album "Release Therapy". While not my favorite rap album of 2006 by far, Ludacris puts in work and deserves an award. I believe both Lupe Fiasco & The Roots put out better albums overall in 2006, but like a friend reminded me the judges look at more commercial offerings first. Then why nominate the others? TI was also commercial and I put his album a slight notch ahead of Luda, in terms of what I was feelin in 06'. On the flipside it was great seeing Common & Kanye present the award. Kanye remarked to Common that even though he told Common he voted for him to win the Grammy last year for the smash album "Be", Kanye really voted for himself. Common quipped back, "thats good because we're all tired of you whining about not winning". Great writing, either Kanye thought that up, or there's some ballsy writers who got to him. Overall the Grammy's show was disappointing to me. Best album in my mind was "St Elsewhere" by Gnarls Barkley (Im no fan of the Dixie Chicks), and possibly Justin Timberlake's as well. Speaking of Timberlake, did anyone else find his performance on stage with a camcorder in hand a little strange? I understand stylish and cutting edge, but making a Blair Witch project documentary on stage is a bit off..anyhow, congrats to all the winners and look forward to 2008 when most likely Kanye and Common will be vying for Grammy's, maybe even for album of the year..

Top 20 Rap Albums All Time

Here's my top 20 rap albums of all time...Ranked in terms of their impact upon me and my love for the music.. 1) "Licensed to Ill" - Beastie Boys - The rock/rap crossover appeal lured me in, and I was hooked for good 2) "Raising Hell" - RUN DMC - Wow I can remember playing this tape over and over in my walkman on trips with my parents..I bet they wish I never got a walkman ;) 3) "The Low End Theory" - A Tribe Called Quest - This tape and group is what really got me into rap, their style was so unique and varied and the beats were full of soulful bass and horns, strings and just good stuff. 4) "Death Certificate" - Ice Cube - Another one I listened to quite a bit. Yes it was gangsta, and violent and full of racist ideas and suggestions, but its an eye opener for sure. 5) "De La Soul is Dead" - De La Soul - Another group like Tribe who really fueled my love for rap. Their creativity is unparalleled and this concept tape was amazing. 6) "The Chronic" -Dr Dre - Another one that along with Ice Cube really got me into that gangsta westcoast scene. 7) "Paid in Full" - Eric B & Rakim - Most people know this has to be in a top 10 for greatest rap albums. I bought it later than sooner (like 1997) but even so I recognize its major importance to the genre. 8) "Straight Outta Compton" - N.W.A. More gangsta, got this album late too, but I knew it had to be part of my collection. 9) "Illmatic" - Nas - My alltime favorite rapper with his 1st debut album, and a definite classic 10) "Reasonable Doubt"/"Black Album" (tie) - Jay Z - Very hard to call this one, one album marked the start of a great career, the other was the "supposed"end. But both are extremely introspective & deep. 11) "Ready to DIE" - BIG - RIP to one of the all time greatest, baby baby. 12) "Enter the 36 Chambers" - Wu Tang Clan- I remember first getting my hands on this from my roommate at UCONN and loving the rawness of the combined talents of this group..amazing style. 13) "The Infamous" - Mobb Deep - I remember the hype that built up before this release dropped, and it definitely lived up to it..It sure bumped the bass out of our 81' Corolla ;) 14) "Fear of a Black Planet" - Public Enemy the rap revolutionaries..Another group with alot to say. 15) "The College Dropout" - Kanye West - This really should be higher because it has so much meaning to me, just the concept of Kanye's career and what he's come through to get where he is. 16) "93 Til Infinity" - Souls of Mischief - These guys were interesting, because they came from the West Coast but had a nitty gritty underground style,like the Native Tongues..fresh. 17)"The Fix" - Scarface - I used to listen to this album over and over while driving for a job I had, it was rare at the time because there wasnt many good rap albums out..but this one is solid start to finish. 18)"Me Against the World" - 2PAC - An all time rap top 20 list needs to include BIG & Pac, two of rap's finest. This album's title track is legendary. 19) "The Score" - The Fugees - Classic hip hop, soulful singing, reggae and rap all in one. 20) "Can I Borrow a Dollar?" - Common Sense - This one will surprise people, but I remember getting his tape off a recommend buy in "Source" magazine. And it mesmerized me in my walkman, because the style was just so off base and out there..and now, hes one of my top 3 faves, all time. (Honorable mentions: EPMD - Business as Usual or Business Never Personal, Eminem - Marshall Mathers LP, Redman - Whut? Thee Album, Public Enemy - It Takes a Nation of Millions, LL Cool J - Mama Said Knock You Out)