CCTHE BRIDGE

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS OF THE CONTESTANTS

PHOTOS OF ALL CON-TESTANTS: FOR BOTH HIP HOP AND R&B

EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE OF THE HOME & HOME TOUR: JAY-Z & EMINEM

COVER STORY:EXCLUSIVE IN-

SIDE LOOK INTO HAMPTON IDOL!

PHOTOS OF ALL CONTESTANTS FOR BOTH R&B AND HIP HOP!

KANYE WEST NEW ALBUM DOES IT LIVE UP TO THE HYPE??

WHO ARE THE REAL TOP TEN MC”S IN THE GAME TODAY?? WHO DESERVES TO BE ON THE LIST??

ALSO FEATURED:

A year ago, Jay-Z showed why he's music's Emperor of the Empire State with a historic charity concert at Madison Square Garden, which Jay called "the house that Hovie built." On Monday night, "the God MC" took his mastery of performance to the front stoop of Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, Yankee Stadium. And because that's no setting in which to go small, he brought out special guests like Kanye West, Drake, Chris Martin, Swizz Beatz, Nicki Minaj and, of course, Beyoncé.

After kicking off in Detroit two weeks ago, Jay and Eminem's Home and Home concerts landed on the Jiggaman's soil for shows on Monday and Tuesday (Sep-tember 14). This time, after J. Cole opened, Slim Shady shook the stadium in the second slot, with spe-cial guests the G-Unit and Dr. Dre. Then Jay took over with a bevy of surprises and a catalog of hard-line hits.

"Before I start this piece, let me say, rest in peace to the boss, George [Steinbrenner]," Hov began, freestyl-

ing a reference to the late Yankees owner after com-mencing his program with the "Dynasty Intro."

"By the time we sliding home/ I hope we playing in the dome," he continued rapping.

During "Run This Town," Jay asked, "Where you at, boy?" And out came 2010 VMA closer Kanye West in a red suit. The roar was thunderous for the Louis Vuit-ton Don, who also rocked a huge gold link chain.

They followed up with the first live performance of the "Power" remix — where all 50,000-plus people did the soulful "power clap" — and "Monster." There was no Rick Ross on the latter, but 'Ye and Hov brought out Nicki Minaj, who was showered with love from her hometown.

Hov said that since they were in New York, he couldn't let Kanye off the hook that easy. West told the audience he was going to "take them back." The Chicago-born icon then crushed the concert with "Can't Tell Me Nothing" and a follow-up hay-maker of the stadium-friendly "Good Life."

"It's one of the most unbeliev-able feelings in the world, being from New York

and being in Yankee stadium," Jay said about the night.

"That's how you feel, New York City?" Hov contin-ued, in response to the crowd's overwhelming cheers.

A Night Hip-Hop Will Remember Forever... What do you get when you pair two of the biggest names to ever grace the stage in not only Hip Hop, but music... Read and find out.Written by Cameron Miller

The ULTIMATE

COLLECTION OF HITS

IINCLUDING“EMPIRE STATE OF

MIND”“BIG PIMPIN”

“PUBLIC SRVICE ANNOUNCEMENT”

&MORE

IN STORES 11.23.10

DEF JAM & ROC NATION

PRESENT...

"New York City, is that how you feel tonight? I can't believe this sh--!"

Jay's next guest was Bronx native Swizz Beatz, who was also celebrating his birthday. What a present!

Further along in his set list, Jay rolled out his jaw-dropping verse from "Free Mason." Like in most of his shows, the Jiggaman constantly spoke to the crowd. "Just because you question religion doesn't mean you don't believe in God," he said after his rumor-admon-ishing verse. "Don't let anybody scare you into having their beliefs. Be a muthaf---in' renegade."

Out came Eminem for their classic colossal meeting of the minds. No matter how many times they perform "Renegade," it's still surreal to see the two biggest names in rap stand unified, side by side.

Memphis Bleek then came out for a parade of familiar Jay knockers, including "U Don't Know," "99 Prob-lems" and "Big Pimpin'."

There was a tribute to hip-hop's gone-but-not-forgot-ten greats that included B.I.G., D12's Proof, Pimp C and Tupac Shakur. Monday was the 14th anniversary of Pac's tragic death.

Chris Martin from Coldplay came out to sing the hook on "Heart of the City." Martin was crisp and soulful on the mic. Jay kicked the graceful lines to "Most Kingz," and then Martin took the energy up a few levels with "Viva la Vida."

"I used to rule the world," the crowd sang. "Seas would rise/ When I gave the word/ Now in the morn-ing I sleep alone/ Sweep the streets I used to own/ I used to roll the dice/ Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes."

Hov then told his DJ to throw on any song, and out came Drake for "Miss Me."

"Tellllllll me/ What's really going / Drizzy back up in this bitch/ What's happenin!!!" Drake came on rap-ping. The approval for the 23-year-old was vibrant.

"Say, 'Free Weezy!' " Drake commanded during Lil Wayne's verse. Jay and Drizzy then let the mics ex-

plode with "Light Up."

Not letting the audience catch their breath, Beyoncé came out for "Forever Young."

"One word, Beyoncé, make some noise," Jay said about his wife. "That girl baaad! That girl tough!"

After "Already Home" came "Empire State of Mind." No Alicia Keys, but Roc Nation artist Bridget Kelly was on her A-game with the vocals. Not that it mat-tered, because the NYC crowd drowned the song out.

"This is better than any Grammy. Better than any MTV award," Jay said about being able to rock his city.

He then went into overtime with a barrage of classics such as "Jigga My N---a" and "Izzo."

He told the fans he wasn't going anywhere and contin-ued to keep the energy high with "Where I'm From" and "Dirt Off Your Shoulder." Most of the sold-out crowd stayed until the very end, which featured Jay doing the Linkin Park mash-up version of "Encore."

"This night was like a gift for me," said the man who seemingly has everything. "I hope I returned it ten-fold."

Pictures From The Show:

Last year, Hampton University was introduced to a new homecoming event that would showcase the talents of students in both genres of R&B and Hip Hop. There would be 5 Hip Hop contestants and 5 R&B contestants; the winner of the competition would then have the opportunity to open up for the actual Homecoming concert which always brings music’s hottest names to our home by the sea. Last year’s winners opened up for rapper Fabolous, and singers Letoya Lucket and Jeremih. This year the stakes have been raised as the winners will have the chance of opening up for Washington, D.C. rapper Wale, song-stress Chrissete Michele, and “the boss”, Rick Ross. The competition is broken down into two rounds, with an elimination cut between the two. Art-ists have two minutes and thirty seconds to impress judges that will include industry executives, produc-ers, and alumni. After everyone has performed, the judges select three people from each genre to proceed in to the final round. The artist then give their all in the final round and after their performances, a Hampton idol from both R&B and Hip Hop is crowned. “The anticipation for this year’s show seems crazy, the competition seems legit, very excited to see the show; already got my ticket.” Sophomore Kenny Greene said of the opening event to Hampton Uni-versity’s Homecoming. “I’m just waiting to see what everybody has to offer to the table and how the judges and crowd will receive them.” Student Maya Cash is also excited to see what this years Idol show has to of-fer, “I’ve been at some of the rehearsals and the talent is unbelievable. It’s crazy because all of the talent is sitting right in front of us from our fellow Hamptonian peers.” With this much anticipation and students am-ped to come see their fellow peers display their talents, this event is sure to be a successful way to open up #HUTakeOver also known as Hampton University’s

COVER STORY:HAMPTON IDOL 2010: SHOW ME WHAT YA GOT

By Cameron Miller

Homecoming. Hip Hop Contestants:• STC• Khemist• SNS• Chris Johnson• C.MillzR&B Contestants:• Katrina• Jayyidah• Emphasis• Imani• DDT

MEET THE CONTESTANTS:HIP HOP CONTESTANTS

STC

KHEMIST

SNS

CHRISJOHNSON

C.MILLZ

MEET THE CONTESTANTS:R&B

KATRINA

EMPHASIS

JAYYIDAH IMANI

DDT

BUT THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE..... ONE WINNER IN HIP HOP, ONE WINNER IN R&B.

NOVEMBER FIRST COME FIND OUT WHO YOUR HAMP-TON IDOL!!!!

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Let’s recap. Kanye got here by spitting through the wire but due to a few grand missteps dragged his career through the fire and set it ablaze. But he would return. Kanye made the music community take notice with his defiant return to the VMA stage. Kanye had the core Hip Hop audience eagerly waiting for every G.O.O.D. Music Friday Single, creating a new release template for other artists to follow. Kanye dropped arguably the most talked about long form video since Michael Jackson’s “Bad” or “Thriller.” Kanye some-how managed to give passengers of a Delta flight to NY an onboard performance. Kanye made the media that once vilified him embrace and extend a plat-form to him. All of that was an effort to reestablish his career and create a frenzy for the release of “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” Mission accom-plished because he is the biggest entity in music right now even during the Time of Gaga and his new album is his most ambitious, a definitive milestone in all of music, and possibly a true masterpiece.

Kanye triumphantly stays true to his album’s title “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” lyrically, tonally, and conceptually. A tale of domestic abuse that leads to the destruction of Kanye’s relationship with his fictional daughter is the subject matter of “All of the Lights.” “Blame Game” deals with a verbally abusive but magnetic relationship. “Runaway” is about Kanye revealing his missteps with women while Pusha-T de-livered a verse that may be the most truthful and blunt statement of what a women needs to consider when in a relationship where there are “plenty of whores in a ballin’ n_gga’s matrix.” “Power” calls for “a beauti-ful death. Jumping out the window. Lettin’ everything go.” Parts of those song’s lyrics (especially “All of the Lights”) and others are reminiscent of Hemingway’s style where much is being said, but only a few words are actually used.

Diminished octaves and dissonant tones are found throughout the entire album and specifically on “Gor-geous,” “Power,” “Dark Fantasy” “Monster” and “So Appalled,” providing a gritty bed for the majority of the album. Drum sounds and patterns on tracks like “Hell of a Life” echo way back to songs such as the Jungle Brother’s “The Promo,” on which Q-Tip made his debut, and to the time when Da Beatminerz were laying the boom bap foundations for Black Moon and Smif-N-Wesson. Let’s not forget that “Runaway” is framed upon Pete Rock’s haunting drum track intro from “The Basement” found on 1992′s “Mecca and the Soul Brother.”

Amidst all of that the album is populated with well placed features from Jay-Z, Nikki Minaj, Rihanna, John Legend, Fergi, Rick Ross, Bon Iver, Pusha-T, Prynce Cy Hi, the RZA, Alicia Keys, ect. There are magnificently executed orchestrations and melodies that add tonal brightness. It’s all a complex and grand juxtaposition that’s elaborately dark and compelling. It demands a bit more for the listener to consider without ever lending itself to being remotely depressing. It should also be mentioned that Elton John is also seam-lessly featured on the album and it still undeniably remains true Hip-Hop.

THE BRIDGE

OFFICIAL ALBUM REVIEWS:

ARTIST: KANYE WEST

ALBUM: MY BEAUTIFUL DARK TWISTED FANTASYRoc-A-Fella Records/Def Jam

Rating: 4/5

All of that is surprising when the diverse audience that Kanye has looking at him right now is considered. A few weeks ago the entire focus of this album was the video for “Runaway.” The video was admittedly totally European influenced and produced. Knowing that it was highly artistic Kanye purposely debuted it in the art loving city of Paris, France. “Runaway” contains visu-als foreign to Hip-Hop so with that in mind the audience might expect the sound of “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” to mirror it. The album is indeed to the left, but as described above it is done so with a fundamental respect for a golden age of Hip-Hop and solid lyrics. So in essence by going to the left Kanye has actually brought Hip-Hop back to its center while elevating it to a place where others will hopefully be encouraged to visit. This is significant because Hip-Hop has often been elevated and brought to a larger audience, but at times it was done in a fashion that did not appeal to core Hip-Hop listeners. Kanye’s work will reach a new audience and expose them to something that a Hip Hop pur-ist should champion.

“My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” is an overwhelming suc-cess on multiple levels but there was something that could easily be overlooked. That is the oddly both overt and transparent theme of revolution that this album and Kanye’s career embody. The last track “Who Will Survive in America” brought that theme to the forefront. The track features an except form Amiri Baraka’s actual “Who Will Survive in America,” which is a call for revolu-tion against the ills of people of color living in America. Upon the first listen it may be hard to understand why the track is the final sentence and period of this well constructed paragraph of an album. But it all makes sense. Kanye can be considered a musical and social revolutionary. The majority of Kanye’s revolution-ary actions have probably been unintentional and results of his “”childlike creativity, purity and honesty,” but nonetheless some are undoubtedly flavored with a hint of Jack Johnson’s “Unfor-givable Blackness.”

Kanye has no problem revolting. It can be against something significant. It can be against something insignificant. It does not matter what it is because since a car accident brought him close to death before the release of his first CD he does not have the fear to protest against anything that he feels is unjust against him or others. We all know how he got on stage in protest of the reigning country pop princess winning a VMA. He said “George Bush doesn’t care about Black people” on national TV. True or false, those words and the passionate speech that preceded it were what many were thinking but did not have the platform or cour-age to say. Kanye’s seven words rang around the WORLD, mak-ing West so relevant that he became the ONLY person to meet Oprah and tell her he was going to be on her show and make that happen. Former President George W. Bush had to acknowledge Kanye’s statement in his book “Decision Points” and during interviews on NBC with Matt Lauer and on Oprah. If those words are not to be considered the quintessential verbal protest or revolt against what was happening in New Orleans it would be hard to say what would have been. Kanye’s statement may have possibly had more of an impact than every prolific and beloved Public Enemy song rolled into one. (And they this guy is down with the Illuminati? “Stupid! But what the hell do I know?”) On top of all of that, do we really need to go into what it means that Kanye is very happy that there is a picture floating around on the net where

he is totally exposed?

“Unforgivable Blackness.”

All of that is coupled with lyrics such as the second verse from “Dark Fantasy:”

“Hey, teacher, teacherTell me how do you respawn the students?And refresh the page and restart the memory?Respark the soul and rebuild the energy?We stopped the ignorance, we killed the enemies”

This line from “Gorgeous:”

“cause the same people that tried to black ball me forgot about 2 things, my black balls”

This excerpt from “Power:”

“The system broken, the schools closed, the prisons openWe ain’t got nothin’ to lose, ma’f-cka, we rollin’Huh? Ma’f-cka, we rollin’With some light-skinned girls and some Kelly RowlandsIn this white man’s world, we the ones chosen”

It is ALL related and when taken into consideration brings a new subtext to the album. Kanye has revolted and speaks of it in multiple ways but is only requesting that listeners revolt in very subtle non controversial ways. This album is a unique experience with many songs clocking in at over 5 minutes like albums from the 70s. That is a request for listeners to revolt against what some accept as Hip-Hop and possibly look for more from other artists. His elaborate and creative multi cover packaging is a request that listeners revolt against their desire to just download the album and actually buy the CD.

Kanye is something we have never seen before so of course he will be misunderstood, but it seems he is the most creative during torment so it makes for an unfortunate equation. Kanye is able to recognize and profess his genius but he also needs to claim his revolutionary B-Boy stance. That is NOT a call for activism it is just a suggestion that he truly internalize elements of the lyrics that he spit on “Power” and “Monster” and stop melting down on Twitter and get ahead of certain situations without apologizing. Right or wrong, he verbally revolted for his beliefs and in those two songs he admits to being an a**hole BUT he makes music so a**hole = ROCKSTAR. Did he not tell us he was a ROCKSTAR on Lloyd Banks’s “Start it up” and ROCKSTARS are STARS because they make life interesting. Yeezy remember that you said “my presence is a present so kiss my ass” so keep making that heat and the world at large will ante up the fee required for baring witness. “My Dark Beautiful Dark Fantasy” is a testament to that. BRAVO!

By Troy CleContributing Writer: Cameron Miller

THE BRIDGE

MIXTAPE OF THE MONTH

J Cole is the first signee of Roc Nation - and might be turning into Jay Z’s best investment. J Cole’s latest mixtape Friday Night Lights was released this past Friday to a hype unseen of a free mixtape in almost two years. The mixtape was almost impossible to find for a time – in an era where download sites are as popu-lar and diverse as skittles. Friday Night Lights lines up to be J Cole’s third mixtape – the others being The Come Up (2007) and The Warm Up (2009) – with all of the previous being critically acclaimed pieces of music. With Friday Night Lights J Cole has filled up the Game breaker - creating fervor of excitement for his debut album, Cole World.

Friday Night Lights features 20 tracks of Hip Hop in its purest form. Pleasing every fan from purists to mainstream. Featuring little to no features – only 3 on the main album (aside from the bonus G.O.O.D Friday release “Looking for Trouble”) – includ-ing production credits, J Cole’s mixtape is an excellent flexing of the musical ability J Cole has. It starts with the tranquil self entitled entrance track “Friday Night Lights”, which ends with the thesis for the entire project – “What good is being “The One” when you’re the only one that knows it?”.

Cole represents and pays homage to the years of Hip Hop preced-ing him. “Enchanted”, one of the brightest songs on an already pearlescent mixtape, borrows the epic chorus off of Tupac’s clas-sic, “Hail Mary”. While staying true to the words, Cole manages to twist meaning into the opposite of what it is meant while still

ARTIST: J.COLE

MIXTAPE: FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTSRoc Nation/Sony

RATING: 5/5

capturing its essence. With one of the few features Omen deliv-ers one of the best verses on the album – a rare overshadowing of Cole- something Cole himself does to everyone else.

“Before I’m Gone” is a strong, epic, ride song – spat with such hunger and meaning - speaking of the times and struggles of everyday life. Cole has the swagger of an intelligent college kid with the hunger and spark of a young vagabond roaming the streets. “Villematic”, “2 Face”, and “Higher” are all songs which make up a strong midsection – it is easy to become lost in this mixtape.

With the large amount of songs, it is surprising to see J Cole hold his own as the entire tape completes itself. J Cole’s rhyme book is deep and large as each track is laced with complex meta-phors, similes’, and alliteration – reminiscent of his Boss, Jay Z. “Premeditated Murder” explains his ambitions as he predicts his current and rapid ascent into the game. Cole is confident and it works – it is almost his best aspect. Songs like “Back to the Topic”, “See World” and “Farewell” just give off the image of a young and dangerous rapper.

The highly anticipated Drake and Cole collaboration, “In the Morning” left none to be desired. The song is a great showing by both artists - each artist having come into their own – discuss-ing a situation which might only come with the job. While this song worked, it does not seem almost as close to as what could have come out of collaboration between the two.

Friday Night Lights is a mixtape with very few blemishes and faults. Cole nicely nits together a very interesting precursor to his upcoming album “Cole World” and it holds its own as one of the most complete mixtape of the year. Is he “The One”? Well we do not know that yet – but Friday Night Lights definitely has us paying attention.

By Jacques Morel

Recommendeed Tracks: - Too Deep For The Intro - Blow Up - Villimatic - In The Mornin Feat. Drake - You Got It Feat. Wale

ARTIST: LLOYD BANKS

ALBUM: THE HUNGER FOR MORE 2G-Unit/Capitol

RATING:3.5/5

Lloyd Banks new album has been widely anticipated for some time since the release of his radio smash “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley.” Slowly but surely he’s been building up hype by biting the Crooked I formula of releasing a new song every week. Now The Hunger For More 2 is ready for release and hopes to not get overshadowed by releases from Kanye West and Nicki Minaj. Although it’s shorter on music than the two aforementioned titles, Banks new LP is still solidly constructed enough to prove that he’s arguably the best rapper in G-Unit.

THFM2 plays more like a compilation of songs as opposed to an album due to the massive amount of features on the record, which includes Ryan Leslie, Kanye West, Fabolous, Juelz Santana, Swizz Beatz, Jeremih, Akon, Pusha T, Raekwon, Lloyd, and his G-Unit cohorts 50 Cent and Tony Yayo. This wouldn’t be an issue if the album was longer, but there’s only 13 tracks and almost as many features. Almost every song has a different style or topic to it, and this takes away any type of cohesion or flow it had go-ing for it originally. This also leaves something to be desired on tracks where Banks is solo, including “On The Double”, which suffers from a weakly constructed hook that makes the entire song sound out of place on the album.

Even with that being said, THFM2 is still a solid album. Most of the features help to boost the value of the song. Juelz gives a show stealing verse on “Beamer, Benz. or Bentley”, 50 Cent comes through with an addictive hook on “Payback”, Kanye

goes in with vintage quotables on “Start It Up”, Styles P meshes with the grimy undertone for “Unexplainable”, and Pusha T shows the difference between him and Dr. King on “Home Sweet Home.” On almost every song, Banks’ wordplay and multi-rhyme schemes shines, even if the song itself is far from impressive. It’s no debate that Boy Wonder’s writing has improved well beyond the last time we heard from him, and it dominates throughout.

Aside from the clutter of features and the occasionally out of place song, Lloyd Banks has done a solid job with THFM2. Be-cause of the variety of topics there’s something here for everyone, but it won’t appeal strongly to anyone who has not been rocking with Banks and the Unit to begin with.

By King Eljay

Recommended Tracks: - Home Sweet Home Feat. Pusha T - Start It Up Feat. Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Ryan Les lie, & Fabolous - Unexplainable Feat. Styles P - So Forgetful Feat. Ryan Leslie - I Dont Deserve You Feat. Jerimih

ARTIST: NICKI MINAJ

ALBUM: PINK FRIDAYYoung Money Entertainment/ Cash Money Records/ Universal Motown

RATING: 3.5/5

Pink Friday, the debut album from Young Money emcee Nicki Minaj, is the culmination of an intense promotion campaign and tremendous hype. Labeling herself as “The best b***h doing it”, the Queens native's album was highly anticipated, unique detour in a genre which has its share of regular monotony. Nicki’s style is unique and creative – this we know after hearing her on numer-ous tracks and singles. However, can all the hype sustain Pink Friday?

Pink Friday is a great effort but listeners are likely to be left ach-ing for more. Nicki continually walks the fine line between Hip-Hop and Pop – tripping slightly along the way. The album opens frenetically with the quickly paced “I’m The Best” – an airy song which evokes the “Barbie” image that Nicki has long lobbied for. Nicki’s flow has been a regular feature on the charts and others' singles, but as a soloist, cracks become visible.

As Pink Friday progresses it becomes more obvious that Nicki's "voice" and lyrics on some tracks fail to hold up the standard she exemplified on her songs with the likes of Ludacris ("My Chick Bad"), Kanye West ("Monster") and others. “Did It On Em”, one of the few Hip Hop-esque tracks on the CD, has a few bright spots but overall falls short of masterful. On said track, she says “If I had a d*ck, I’d pull it out and piss on ‘em”. Nicki’s singles shine brightly – “Right Thru Me” has a strong melody and great long term potential combined with “Your Love” and “Check It Out.” The apparent pop aspirations on Nicki's freshmen effort

will be the primary issue the Hip-Hop audience will wrestle. Pink Friday really isn't an opus for the "heads."

“Dear Old Nicki” tells about the Nicki Minaj many newcomers never knew, the one before the outrageous fashion statements, multiple personas, underground mixtapes and DVD’s that go way back to 2007. An interesting song, "Dear Old Nicki," tells the tale of the New Yorker's musical past – something Nicki typi-cally avoids. “Save Me” is one of the brightest spots of the entire album, oddly enought. A calm melody combined with a fast paced yet relaxing track offers Nicki Minaj crooning over some drum-n-bass. Nicki's decencies are re-captured in in quality song composition, something most Hip-Hop albums lack.

The lone Young Money feature on the album is Drake on “Mo-ment For Life” another bright spot on the album. Drake out-shines Nicki on this song – unlike their previous venture “Up All Night,” where she bodied her homeboy. The phenomenal lyricist many want Nicki to become shows up on “Blazin”, only to be up-staged by a scorching verse from Kanye. “Last Chance” featur-ing Natasha Bedingfield is a fitting closing to Pink Friday.

Nicki Minaj’s album features few bright spots that work well, but for this reviewer, there are many dim spots as well. As aforemen-tioned – Nicki’s style while unique and clever – does not seem to be able to hold up the entire LP, especially if you listen with a Hip-Hop ear. The album is almost a wholly pop effort, that Nicki sprinkles with Hip-Hop just to remind us how hot she can be. The quintessential problem with Pink Friday is it doesn't commit to Hip-Hop, but doesn't fully measure up to Pop rappers like Fergie, Black Eyed Peas and others. It is almost like a really enticing movie preview, but being disappointed when you sit down for the actual film. To her credit, Nicki has risen to the top of a food chain in music where others have faltered. However, her brand and musicianship is still growing and, with a frenetic base, she won't suffer on Soundscan. The judge may only see some of the redeeming parts of Pink Friday. Now, we have to defer the rest to the jury.

By Jacques Morel

Recommended Tracks: - Roman’s Revenge Feat. Eminem - Dear Old Nicki - Moment For Life Feat. Drake - Blazin Feat. Kanye West

Kid Cudi has several vices that he struggles with, which are well-documented in his music. Regardless whether you agree with his actions in his personal life, or if you disagree with his take on other artists, the one thing that speaks louder than his actions is his music. Cudi has this ability to make extremely melodic and catchy songs that people can easily zone to. The vibe his last album gave off to listeners was almost stronger than the lyrics that were being recited. With his new project, Cudi keeps the same formula; he ties together different melodies that are laced by lyrics that set the mood for the entire album. Although it’s not all Hip-Hop, Man on The Moon 2: Legend of Mr. Rager is still original in its own right, and Cudi fans will be pleased with the outcome.

There’s not a genre of music that Kid Cudi fits into neatly. He bleeds into several categories from Hip-Hop, Rock, and even a little touch of Techno/Pop here and there. His sing-song delivery through verses and his harmonizing with the track’s underlying melody are prominent throughout the entire album, and that’s what makes this album so catchy. Factor in the attention to detail that Cudder pays attention to is his presentation of the songs, and you have an impressively put-together album. A perfect example is the ballad “Marijuana”, which is impressive by itself, but the finishing touch is the fact that the track ends at the 4:20 mark. Additional to this, Cudi has audio samples of himself indulging in his drug habits between verses on “These Worries.”

The production on MOTM2 like it’s predecessor is theatrical, and each instrumental fits the vibe of the album down to the small details. There’s no real fault concerning how the album sounds; it all comes together to enhance the overall quality of the LP. The features also help to boost the value as Kanye West gives his G.O.O.D. artist another dope verse on the track “Erase Me.” Chip Tha Ripper steps in alongside GLC and Nicole Wray to deliver some of the best bars you will hear on the album in “The End”, and the extra vocals from Mary J. Blige on “These Worries” help to power that song to become one of the standout tracks.

The only real issue here is the subject matter. Most of the songs seem to recycle the same “this is my life” aspect. “Don’t Play This Song” is a track that essentially goes inside Cudi’s mind while he’s high. Although melodically detailed and by far one of the standout tracks on the LP, if you simplify it, “Marijuana” is a weed ballad. “Wild’n Cuz I’m Young” and “Mojo So Dope” essentially both share the same feel to it, because they both focus on Cudi as he’s talking about being proud of his habits. The album is cohesive together, but at times the subject matter seems to become redundant.

Even with the repeating subject matter, this is still a great album if you’re looking from something different than the normal, easily categorized genres of music that’s available for purchase today. The album flows well, sounds great, and maintains that Kid Cudi vibe that his fans will appreciate and that other listeners with a wider range of musical taste can comprehend.

By King Eljay

Recommended Tracks: - Erase Me Feat. Kanye West - Wildin Cuz I’m Young - Maruajana - Mojo So Dope

ARTIST; KID CUDI

ALBUM: MAN ON THE MOON II: THE LEGEND OF MR RAGERG.O.O.D. MUSIC GROUP/ SONY

RATING: 3/5

JUST DO IT

WHO ARE THE TOP TEN MC’S IN THE GAME TODAY??MTV ANSWERS ONCE AGAIN.

BY JOHNNY X

Last year MTV dropped their Top Ten Rappers in the game of 2009. A lot of people, myself included were not satisfied with the list that was produced. Leave it to MTV to tell us who is hot huh? Only those in sheep clothing would adhern to such a list. Regard-less, they’ve made another top ten list and this time for hottest MCs in the game of 2010. The list is as follows:

Number#10: Ludacris

The southern rapper barely makes the list. But it’s Luda! It’s about time he finally got on this list. The music scene needs some more of that Southern hospitality from him.

Number#9: B.o.B

B.o.B. aka Bobby Ray or whatever else he goes by, comes in at #9. Does he deserve to be on this list? Who knows…but he did drop a couple hits, one such as Airplanes Part 2 that featured Eminem & Hayley Williams this past year which has kept his name fairly relevant in the music game.

Number#8: Wacka Flocka

Whackass rapper! Need I say more? But, he did give us an ok song (Hard In The Paint) to jam to at the clubs this summer. But to make this list?! Really? WTF were the people at MTV think-ing? There is no way he should have made it over B.o.B or Luda to begin with. Maybe J.Cole should have been placed here?

Number#7: Lil Wayne

I really just think MTV just placed Lil Wayne on the list just to take up space. Maybe he threatened them from jail? We shall never know.

Number#6 Nicki Minaj

The only female MC currently killing the game…at least on the mainstream side of the industry anyway. She’s captured quite the number of followers. However, I hope she knows that she can’t run the game with fake assets only (butt implants?). She needs to put the barbie persona to rest and just rap. This is Hip Hop, not to be used as a medium for her to express her seizure attacks.

Number#5 Rick Ross

“I think I’m Big Meech Larry Hoover, whipping work, halleluiah, one nation under god real niggas getting money from the fucking start” comes in at #5. Teflon Don is probably if not, the best al-bum I’ve heard from Rick Ross. That album is ridiculous. Not to mention B.M.F. always got me crazy when it came on at any club event that I went to. Free Mason can also be noted as a memo-rable track off that album as well. Ross deserved this.

Number#4 Drake

Toronto’s own Drake makes it on list again. This time he had an album out and not a mixtape. He’s turned the music scene upside down and I can bet that the young MC has only just began. Don’t sleep on TORONTO!

Number#3 Kanye West

You can’t deny that Kanye West deserves to be on this list. What-ever the reason, he’s always being talked about whether negative-ly or positively. Aside from the G.O.O.D. Music he’s been putting out recently, I’m actually looking forward to My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

Number#2 Jay-Z

Jay-Z in my opinion will always be top 3. I can’t imagine Jay-Z being on any list where he isn’t #1, #2 or #3. Can you? I think not! He’s got the illuminati society supporting him…lol.

Number#1 Eminem

Relapse sucked! Even Em admitted that himself. But Recovery, now that was raw. I actually think that Eminem deserves the #1 spot, not as the greatest MC of all time, but as the #1 MC for 2010. Some of you may disagree with me, but ask me if I care…

I don’t think anyone can argue about any of these MCs making

the list with the exception of one (see#8). However, the order of which they appear might pose some controversy but what’s a list without controversy right. MOREOVER, I’m very mind boggled as to how Wacka Flocka made the list, even more so beating out B.o.B. and Ludacris. MTV failed on that part of the list in my opinion. Kudos to Em for taking the #1 spot and our very own Toronto artist, Drizzy for making the list 2 years in a row as one of the top five MCs in the game for the year.

FINALTHOUGHT

EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT!!NBA ON TNT!!!

WHERE AMAZING HAPPENS!!