One Week Old! & Artist of the Day- Wiz Khalifa

Well this blog has made it a week. Filled with one movie review, a top ten list, a couple of artist's of the week and one concert review this is starting to progress pretty well.
Today's artist of the day is Wiz Khalifa. A Pittsburgh native, Khalifa can be heard and seen around the Penn State area, as well as all over Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. I was fortunate to hear his rhymes two summers ago with "Say Yeah". Other than that though, not too many people know about his 7 other mixtapes or 2 albums, with First Flight on its way.
"Say Yeah" is no doubt a great song, but I wouldn't even call it his best. "Make It Hot" off of his upcoming album First Flight has the same great techno feel as "Say Yeah" but is better lyrically and just has a better feel at either a pregame or club.
Just as good as "Make It Hot" is "All In My Blood" off of Prince of the City and "I Choose You" off of Show and Prove. Both songs are ideal for a pregame or nice barbeque. "I Choose You" is another song that has successfully sampled the ever popular song by Willie Hutch.

Wiz Khalifa is only getting more and more popular as more of his songs are being released. Khalifa's second album, Deal or No Deal, is set for a November 24 release while First Flight, has a projected date of December 28, 2010. Download these tracks and follow Wiz on Twitter (RealWizKhalifa) or at http://www.myspace.com/wizkhalifa

Make It Hot- Wiz Khalifa
All In My Blood- Wiz Khalifa
I Choose You- Wiz Khalifa

Concert Review- Jay Z

Last night was quite possibly the best concert I've ever been to. I honestly cannot think of a better performer in the music business today other than Jay Z aka Hova aka Jigga aka the REAL best rapper alive.
Showing up an hour into the show wasn't a problem, because there were some other acts on before Jay Z went on at about 10:30. Ryder and I got there at 6:45-7 to see Pleasure P in the middle of his set. The line up before Jay Z consisted of mostly R & B acts such as Pleasure P, Day 26, Trey Songz and Mario, as well as Keri Hilson and Jadakiss. I have to say though that Day 26 is possibly the worst group I have ever heard of or seen perform. It consisted of five guys with sub par voices trying to evoke every single ounce of sexual exposure they could. Even the round, fat ugly one. Guys with way too much confidence and not enough talent such as Day 26 shouldn't even been in the same building as Jay Z, much less opening for him.
So after Pleasure P and Day 26 came Trey Songz. Honestly I love Trey Songz. He is one of the few R & B singers I actually like listening to and he put on a great show. That man can hold a note like no other. And I'm pretty sure a girl threw her shirt on stage. Not bad at all. Mario followed Trey and all I could think of was how funny it was that he was in Step Up. You know, that guy who tries to get the hot girl, gets ignored but then impresses her with his DJ skills and automatically she is at his feet.
Jadakiss's performance was good no doubt, but he just really isn't the kind of guy that I would say puts on a great show. Along with him was Styles P, who I love for his song "Good Times", and Beanie Sigel who had a bone to pick with someone. The guy just looked so angry on the stage. There was a point where he was saying "I run this town tonight" and I automatically jumped to conclusions and thought he was calling out Jay Z. It wasn't before long I realized Sigel is signed to Roc-A-Fella Records and has known Hova for years. Either way, Jada was pretty good, but there was a argument or something and it looked like his set got cut short.
Keri Hilson was supposed to perform at homecoming for Towson but ultimately made the right choice and joined the Jay Z tour instead. Besides her questionable haircut Keri was pretty fucking good. She got the crowds attention by saying that "there would be no Keri Hilson without Philly" which is a bold statement but will definitely get you some cheers.
Finally the moment everyone had been waiting for, Jay Z. On one of the video screens, which were in crystal clear HD, a countdown from 10 minutes began. Anticipation mounted and as the countdown ended, Jay Z came up from underneath the stage and opened with "Run This Town". The energy in the Wachovia Center was insane. I don't think there was one person sitting down. Between his swagger and flow Hova was definitely worth the wait. "DOA" was next, followed by "99 Problems" and "Jigga My Nigga". Each song couldn't have been placed better. The set list was perfect and for the most part played all the songs everyone wanted to hear. He brought out his boy Memphis Bleek and the two of them really tore up the stage. However, the song I had been waiting for all night was finally starting. "Empire State of Mind" is a song that no matter where I am I find myself wanting to scream it at the top of my lungs. So, being one of two other white kids in my section, began to scream it at the top of my lungs. If only I two pictures of the looks I got. Either way, Jay Z once again impressed the crowd beyond comprehension. He closed down the place with a compilation of songs both old and new and he made sure to tell the crowd that Philly is no doubt his second home.
This past year I went to a lot of concerts and had a lot of different experiences, and since I wasn't belligerently drunk I was able to enjoy this concert even more. If it were possible I would go to the show on Tuesday in Baltimore. Jay Z is arguably the best performer in the music business today.

Good Times- Styles P

Hump Day Special- Top Ten Dirtiest Rap Songs of All Time

Each Wednesday I would like to post a top ten list profiling tons of different topics. These topics won't always involve music, movies or sports, but for this first one I will look at the top ten dirtiest rap songs of all time.

10) Every Girl- Lil Wayne
However popular this song is, and however many girls say they want to "open up her legs then filet mignon that pussy" this will be one of the dirtiest mainstream songs. Even Drake managed to get a few dirty lines in.

9) Partybreak- Fatman Scoop
Fatman Scoop always know how to get the crowd going, and what better way than with lyrics like "If your pussy's wet and you want sex stand up" and "if you've got a big dick grab a bandana". Nothing like hearing that line over and over again and still not realizing that you're dancing to a song about big dicks.

8) Morning Wood- 88 Keys
Up and comer 88 Keys (Charles Misodi Njapa). Wanting to get a good jump on the morning is always important as Keys sings "Start off on the right foot if she takes care of the morning wood" and not to be mistaken with Outkast's "The Love Below", Keys just wants his "love down below" to be taken care of.

7) Sexual Eruption- Snoop Dogg
Nothing like talking about a climax. Every guy can relate to a song harmonizing about how they want to give a girl "her's before I". The end to this song couldn't have ended on a better line, "Cause I wanted her to have an eruption."

6) Bitches Ain't Shit- Dr. Dre
Although Ben Folds's cover of this song downplays the dirtiness, the original really does a good job of telling everyone what they think about bitches. The chorus, "Bitches ain't shit but hoes and tricks. Lick on these nuts and suck the dick. Get the fuck out after you're done and I hops in my ride to make a quick run", sets the tone for the rest of the song.

5) Colt 45- Afroman
Story time is fun for anyone, especially rappers. Afroman is full of tales in this one, most notably when he fucks the daughter of a KKK leader and his chance encounter with Dolly Parton. Each verse brings on yet another experience he had with many different types of women all over the country. Not only does Afroman love the ladies, but the old man in the beginning of the song just loves the smell of pussy, I mean fish, in the morning.

4) Fack- Eminem
What would a top ten list of the dirtiest rap songs be without Eminem? Little known song "Fack" evokes a real sense of that climatic moment, even more so than "Sexual Eruption." Pretty much every other line in this song Shady is coming close to coming. The outro is even better, with Em saying "Shove a gerbil in your ass through a tube!"

3) Dead Wrong- The Notorious B.I.G.
This song incorporates stealing, smoking weed, female abuse, and about everything else in between. Even if it is one of Biggie's angrier songs, I would still call "Dead Wrong" one of his best songs . "Slit the wrist of little sis, after she sucked the dick, i stabbed her brother with the icepick. Because he wanted me to fuck him from the back, but smalls don't get down like that" definitely is worthy of being the third dirtiest song.

2) M.E.T.H.O.D. Man- Wu Tang Clan
Blaaaaaah! "M.E.T.H.O.D. Man" will make anyone cringe. The intro describes different torture methods by the members of Wu Tang Clan, such as "I'll fuckin, I'll fuckin sew your asshole closed, and keep feedin you and feedin you, and feedin you, and feedin you". This song is just straight up nasty.

1) Play- David Banner
And Finally what everyone has been waiting for, the number one song. I don't know how David Banner got away with "Play", especially after making the chorus "Cum girl, I'm tryna get your pussy wet. Work that, lemme see you drip sweat. Cum girl, I'm tryna get your pussy wet. Work that, lemme see you drip sweat." Banner obviously had an obsession with female masturbation, because that is pretty much what the rest of this song is about. Three verses of "playing" definitely qualifies this song as arguably the dirtiest rap song every made.

Well that does it for the first top ten list. More to come next Wednesday.

Artist of the Day- Common

You may know Common from his roles in Smokin' Aces, American Gangster and Wanted, but how many people can name a Common album? Exactly. Sure he's in some movies with some huge actors, but his musical talent can easily be overlooked. I have to say that Common is one of the coolest rappers in the game today. Between his flow, his lyrics, and his style Common brings together all these elements that not only create great songs, but also sheds light on how rapping isn't all about blunts, bitches and riding around in maybachs.
Common does a lot of things most rappers will never do in their careers. Incorporating live instruments into his songs, as well as stories instead of hooks, give Common a style that is hard to replicate. The song "Time Travelin' (A Tribute To Fela)" off Like Water For Chocolate pays tribute to Nigerian music legend Fela Kuti. Today you hear all these songs about rappers missing their dead friends, but how often do you hear a song about a widely respected and talented artist? Common uses themes that are in fact "uncommon" and opens the eyes of an entire genre.
The one thing I cannot get over is how cool he is in the "Maker Her Say" video. CuDi's verse is sick, Kanye kills it as usual, but with the last verse Common steals the spotlight. In a good way ofcourse. With the line "Down Down For A Damn, Cudi Already Said It, Her Poker Face Book I'd already read it" Common not only thanks Kid CuDi for including him on the track, but also adds something to the track that was very needed. The entire song is sick and is once again another CuDi song I never get tired of.
For a little Common trivia, I'll leave it to you to find the answer to this question:
What is the name of Common's first Grammy nominated single?

Make Her Say (Video)- Kid CuDi ft. Kanye West and Common

Suggested Tracks of the Day- 10/20/09

One of the most important parts of this blog will be music. There is so much music out there that some people will never hear, so here are some that you should listen to right away

What Goes Around- move.meant
Superstar (Acoustic)- Lupe Fiasco ft. Matthew Santos
Love 2008-See No Evil
I Got A Story To Tell-The Notorious B.I.G.
I'm Fly-213
Got A Clue-Mac Miller
Smoke Signals-Madison X
Yesterday-Atmosphere
Sometimes I Rhyme Slow-Nice & Smooth

That is all for now. This was only the first day, hopefully there are many more to follow.

Bear Down Chicago Bears

Sports Story of the Day- Michael Crabtree Likely To Start Against Houston

How does this happen? How does a guy who sits out the OTA's, sits out of Training Camp, and sits out the first 6 weeks of the season get the starting nod in week 7? I don't care how talented you are, its all about respect, something that Crabtree may need to learn. I mean the fact that he was arguing over a few million dollars he thought he deserved, and then accepting the original amount when he didn't get his way is ridiculous. I don't get how veterans on the 49ers like Takeo Spikes can stand around watching this. He avoided the entire rookie hazing process and thinks he can just come in and do whatever he wants. I understand that this may not have been all his fault, that he was under the pressure of his agent and his genius cousin who also happens to be his advisor, but he his a grown man and needs to make his own decisions.
"Samurai" Mike Singletary definitely had to be pressured to start this kid. There is no way a man who demands so much respect and performance from his team would start Crabtree under his own will. There was just so much anticipation for the two time Biletnikoff winner to get on the field that once he did sign, the fans or front office couldn't wait any longer.
He wont have to try too hard to do better than the guy taken 3 spots ahead of him. Darrius Heyward-Bey (2 catches, 36 yards, 0 TD's) is getting more money than Crabtree, which caused the conflict in the contract talks in the first place. If Crabtree can make an impact right away and can contribute, then he will be able to justify his holdout. If not, then he will be one of the biggest busts to ever be drafted in my mind.

Must See Movie of the Day- Where The Wild Things Are

Everyone's favorite children's book has finally come to the big screen. Maurice Sendack's timeless classic, "Where The Wild Things Are", has been adapted to a live-action film by Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation). WTWTA stars newcomer Max Records as the film's main character Max, Catherine Keener (Death to Smoochy, 40 Year Old Virgin, Into the Wild) as his mother, and Mark Ruffalo (In The Cut, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Rumor Has It, Zodiac) as Keener's boyfriend. Along with Keener and Ruffalo, stars Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland) and James Gandolfini (The Sopranos) provide voice overs of the "wild things".
We all know the story, boy runs away from home, boy finds island full of wild things, boy throws wild rumpus (rager), boy gets tired and misses mom, and then boy finally returns home. Growing up this was my favorite book and to this day I find myself looking it over from time to time. I anticipated its release for months and I made sure I saw it.
What really did it for me was the trailer. Not only were the scenes that were shown heartwarming, but the song was as well. After some research I found out it was "Wake Up" by The Arcade Fire. It was no surprise to me that Spike Jonze would put together a great soundtrack after having directed music videos such as The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Sky's The Limit", "Praise You" and "The Rockafeller Skank" by Fatboy Slim, "Island In The Sun" by Weezer and mostly notably "Flashing Lights" by Kanye West.
The film tried to shy away from being a kids movie and tried to target a more mature adult audience, which in the words of Borat Sagdiyeva was a "great success". The darker elements of the movie made it more appealing to an older audience, but still kept some childish aspects which is probably the reason for its PG rating.
It would be nice to see Spike Jonze directing in more movies however. I mean after you come out with "Being John Malkovich" it is hard to follow up, but when you look at this movie, as well as the music videos he's directed, its a surprise he hasn't been more involved.

Here is the song from the trailer: Wake Up- The Arcade Fire

Artist of the Day- Kid CuDi

It only seems fitting that as this blog is up and coming I choose to talk about an up and coming artist: Kid CuDi.

Scott Mescudi bursted onto the scene with the song everyone knows and loves, Day N' Nite. That song, which can now be found on his new album Man on the Moon, is the kind of song that can be listened to over and over again and still not get tired of it. After hearing that song I couldnt wait for Cudi to start appearing everywhere. Before I knew it, his mixtapes were showing up all over mixtapetorrent.com.
A Kid Named Cudi, The Anthem and Dat Kid From Cleveland all set Scott up for his debut album which came out this past September.
Off that album songs like "Make Her Say", "Solo Dolo", "Pursuit of Happiness" and "Up Up and Away" all give you a real feel of what CuDi is trying to accomplish in the music industry.
His newest mixtape, Dream On, was just released this past week, so check it out.

Daps and Pounds

I would like to dedicate this first song to Mr. Scott Mescudi aka Kid CuDi

Daps and Pounds- Kid CuDi

Daps and Pounds

the first post is always important. I am going to be asking for a lot of advice on this, and I just want to acknowledge a couple people before this gets underway. If it ever does.

• Scooter
• Ryder
• Ceeg
• Savz
• RL
• Radio
  
• Ricky Martin
• Cottonmouth King

Hopefully this ends up succeeding...