Cool Kids & Theophilus London in Boston 6/24

Like, most crazy events that occur in my life finding new music from artists is usually an accident. I never think, hey i'm going to surf the net for new music because when I do go out on that type of musical quest I always end up finding garbage. So, I may check my inbox, which is flooded daily with press releases of artists I have never heard of, so if the artists are lucky enough for their inquiry to hit my inbox when I have some down time, I give it a hardcore listen. Thats how I discovered Palestinian/Canadian Soul singer Ms. Ayah, whom I adore.

The point of all of that was to say that The Cool Kids & Theophilus London, two artists that I accidentally fell for (story of my life) are coming to Boston this week. They will be performing at the Middle East, in Cambridge, MA. I plan on reviewing this show and hopefully setting up a quick Q&A with the guys.

Theophilus is not your average emcee because his style is peculiar, he writes all of his music (which is an oxymoron when discussing hip-hop nowadays), like Kanye he has a sick blog "This Charming Blog" http://theophiluslondon.wordpress.com/, and the dude can actually rap. Yeah, his flow sounds like The Roots Black Thought, but when has that become a bad thing. Theo's music--wait can I call you that? Theo's music is easy on the ear and believe it or not the brotha is actually saying something.

Check his latest video "I want you", YouTube him, and if you are in the Boston area def check him out this week.

-Nakia

Drake "Thank Me Later" Album Review

"All and all I learned a lesson from it though. You never see it coming you just get to see it go..." -Drake

The anticipation for Drake's album "Thank Me Later" sort of died down after his debut CD "So Far Gone" wasn't what the fans expected. True music fiends know that an artists mix tape is usually better than their album, which is filled with heavy, watered down commercial tracks.

Drake proves on this second album that he can bring the mix tape sound to the retail shelves & sell. "Thank Me Later" is like listening to the audio version of Drake's diary (rhyme book).

The first track sets a melancholy tone of the album taking its listeners on his emotional journey of how fame has changed his lifestyle, family ties, and love life. Love, Success, Regret & Dysfunction, & Trust seem to be the reoccurring themes on this album. Drake airs out a lot of deep feelings that he probably kept bottled up regarding his relationship with his Father, "My dad called me up knowing that I still listen and he still got his foot out, guilt tripping,"Grandmother ", "I heard they just moved my grandmother to a nursing home and I be acting like I don't know how to use a phone," Women "I'm always up to late I worry bout you there alone in that place you call your home, warm nights and cold patron. I hope you don't get known for nothing crazy cuz no man wants to hear those stories about his lady," Groupies "She just trying to make it, so she right here getting naked. I don't judge her, I don't judge her, but I could never love cuz to her i'm just a rapper, and soon should have met another."

"Thank Me Later's" solemn tone definitely eases up on tracks "Show Me a Good Time" where Drake loosens up the buttons on his button up and gets his listeners ready to experience nightlife at its finest. The album mood shifts into serious party mode with "Fancy", which is definitely going to be the ladies summertime anthem because its all about the state of being fly.

Shut it down is probably the track that Drake wrote solely for me. Oh yeah, I'll fathom that all 6:59 secs was packaged just for moi.

Drake knew to get the sickest producers including Timbaland, Crada, Noah "40" Shebib, Francis and the Lights, Jeff Bhasker, Al Khaaliq, Kanye West, No I.D., Omen, Swizz Beatz, Boi-1da, and Tone Mason to grace this album to capture the right sound. I think Drake and the team succeeded!

Although, I have so much love for my Drakey Poo I do believe the way he spits and busts out in song is borderline annoying, but somehow remains infectious. Drake's random storytelling and subtle corny punchlines like, "baby you finer than your fine cousin." Okay, Drake why did you have to go there? And, for what? We get the point she fuuiiiiiinnneeeee!!!!! But it works and all is fair in love and hip-hop...

Thank Me Later

B+

1. Fireworks Featuring Alicia Keys

2. Karaoke

3. The Resistance

4. Over

5. Show Me a Good Time

6. Up All Night Featuring Nicki Minaj

7. Fancy Featuring T.I., & Swizz Beatz

8. Shut it Down Featuring The-Dream

9. Unforgettable Featuring Young Jeezy

10. Light Up Featuring Jay-Z

11. Miss Me Featuring Lil Wayne

12. Cece's Interlude

13. Find You Love

14. Thank Me Now

Latest New York Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/13/arts/music/13drake.html

As pop as pop can be...

Auburn is making her mark on the pop music scene with her latest single "La La La,". Coined “The Princess of Beluga Heights” sort of what Rihanna was to Def Jam Records, so lets see if this good girl will go bad. Auburn is signed to sizzling Multi-Platinum producer J.R. Rotem's new label, Beluga Heights, which is a linked deal with Epic Records.

Rotem has produced multi-platinum hits for Rihanna, Sean Kingston, Jason Derulo, Iyaz, Leona Lewis, Britney Spears, Rick Ross, and the star studded list goes on and on. Any pot J.R. seems to dip his hands into whether we're pop heads or not seems to turn into gold, so this is probably not the last time you will hear the name Auburn.

Auburn has several cutesy tunes including "Get my jerk on", reply to New Boyz jerk anthem, "Superman", and "Top of The World". Even if bubblegum pop isn't your cup of tea, you might find yourself humming the melody to a few of her tracks after one listen.

Auburn style is fresh, her sound is what the radio has programmed listeners to love, and she has a team of creative geniuses that will market her directly to pop cult followers.

What more can I say, but Auburn is as pop as pop can be...

I AM A SUPERWOMAN

Finally, I can break my silence, dust my pretty self off, come up from prayer position and tell the world how my dreams are starting to unfold before my eyes and announce my blessing to the world...

Two weeks ago I received a phone call, which I missed from a Consultant from Monster.com announcing on my voicemail that he needed to speak to me ASAP. So, I immediately returned the unknown man's call, but there was no answer because it was after 5:30pm on a Friday. Dang! Then, it finally clicked in my mind, woman, its Friday, which means the man left the office. Don't give up! Maybe he checks his work emails from home during the weekends. Nah, but hey it won't kill me to try. So, I flooded his inbox with a few subtle, but forward messages letting him know that I received his call and I asked if he would return my call at his earliest convenience. Alright, i'm not gonna lie I even called homie's office on a Sunday before and after church. I know, I know I pushed it, but thats how excited I was. So, to kill time I prayed, yapped my friends ears off for the next 24hrs and finally reached the guy from Monster.com first thing Monday morning.

John was a friendly man who I tried to keep on the phone for a while because I wanted him to see how enthusiastic I was about being 1 out 8 applicants chosen out of a pool of 5,000 to become a candidate for the Head Blogger position for one of my Sheroe's Alicia Keys site www.iaas.com I AM A Superwoman, (Ughhh Hmm which I AM).

Well, if you know me personally, read any of my articles, recognize my name from email media blasts then you know that I am a Writer first, Educator, Woman's & Youth Advocate, and lover of timeless music. I live and breathe journalism, my fingers touching my Macbook keys is the ultimate high for me. I have been writing for as long as I can remember and have been working with young women in my community since I was 13 years old.

I graduated from Howard University---The Real HU almost 3 years ago, tear. BISON!!!! And, ever since I moved back home to Boston from the steep HU Hills I have been grinding and chasing after my dream to become a successful Journalist. My journey has been a turmultous one filled with a near death experience, losts, sleepless nights, 8 hour bus rides 2x a week from Boston to NYC to work at a mag, tears, rejections, successes, but in the words of another Sheroe of mines Still I Rise. I rise to beat the odds of being a statistic. I rise to beat the odds of never giving up even when you hear so many No's and experience so many Setbacks. I have genuinely applauded other peoples successes even when I felt it was my time. I never hated, I just congratulated because I was once told when your neighbor is being blessed that means blessings are in your neighborhood.

All of the doors being slammed in my face only left me with four options Seek God's Face, Have Faith, Grind, and Start Building Doors for myself to walk through. So, I write until my fingers are sore, teach youth within my community until my mouth is dry, and continue to walk on a journey that I call the grind.

Thats who Nakia Hill is in a nutshell. I hate to say that because what I just described is not one tenth of my journey. One thing is for sure I AM A SUPERWOMAN. I AM A SUPERWOMAN because I AM STILL HERE. I am here to share my story with so many SUPERWOMAN from Japan to Kentucky. If you have overcome adversity, chasing after your dreams despite setbacks, and have managed to keep your head above water in the midst of the storm then you are a SUPERWOMAN.

I need everyone's support, votes, and prayers. Once I AM A SUPERWOMAN www.iaas.com announces the 60 applicants on their site I need you to vote for me NAKIA HILL. Come visit my page via If you want to help turn my dream into a reality Please Vote for Nakia Hill to be Alicia Keys Head Blogger. Log onto www.iaas.com .


VOTE FOR ME @ www.iaas.com

When you vote please leave comments on my blog entries and I will make sure to send you lots of LOVE! Trust me, I will cover the most impact filled, intriguing stories that will shed light on issues affecting all SuperWomen and their communities.

Besos,

Nakia

New Video: Teairra Mari Ft. Gucci Mane & Soulja Boy "Sponsor"

Before Rihanna there was Teirra Mari princess of the R-O-C we running this---you know the rest! Its been a hot minute since we have heard or seen this lady in action, but she's back fiercer than ever with a few catchy songs including "Sponsor".

Now, if you heard the song prior to this post I know what you may be thinking--straight "gold digger" anthem, but I beg to defer! Lets not get it twisted people. What's wrong with a sista having a sponsor? Hey, don't judge me or Teirra because if you watch the video in its entirety you will see who her sponsor really is...

What is a sponsor?! "He ain't no square he just like to share!" I luvvvv that verse! Ok-no-really I believe a sponsor is anyone who supports your grind. Shoot Jesus is my sponsor because he puts the fuel in my classy tank for moi! So, you can be your own sponsor its not about gettin dem dollars from a Suga Daddy ladies and fellas who think i'm encouraging modern day prostitution or gold digging. Not so! Its all about being independent, but independence doesn't always mean you didn't have a sponsor or two along the way... I'm just saying!



"All my ladies say, my go-go girls say!!!"

-Nakia

New Video: Erykah Badu "Window Seat"

Erykah Badu knows how to make your eyes drop and make your ears ring with her tunes. @Fatbellybella is stirring up Twitter bugs with her brand new video "Window Seat" where she sings a low key melody underneath hardcore lyrics delivered oh so subtly.

The lyrics in "Window Seat" have arrived right on time because I know so many people including myself just get in a funk or mood where you feel caged in, not defeated, but caged. I think theres a difference because if you free a caged bird it will fly, so there's no defeat when you still have the ability to fly when given a chance. I know the feeling of going through and sitting on a plane and praying that no one sits beside you just so you can be alone to cry. Purging is good. The message in this video means so much to me Freedom, War, Peace, God, Integrity, Love, Oppression, and everything else in between.

What do the lyrics mean to you?



Erykah's album Amerkyah will be released March 30.

-Nakia

New Video: Lady Gaga & Queen Bey "Telephone"

When I was a little girl I always fantasized about being like Madonna, but now that i'm older I definitely wish I was one of the dancers at the end of Lady Gaga's "Telephone" video.

I can see it now me and Bey are the only brown girls out of breath in the middle of the dance floor BOOM, BOOM KAT!!! Yes, i'm on beat because i've been practicing for months in 6 inch heels for this very moment to show the world my FIERCE DANCE MOVES rockin a fly, imported honey blonde wig & tight gold metallic bodysuit that is sure to suffocate my vagina, but hey its for the love of Lady Gaga & Bey. SUPERSTAR!!!

And, then... I woke up and realized that I was daydreaming as I watched this fab video "Telephone". I never really came to terms about how I truly felt about Lady Gaga. Is she peculiar? Heck yeah! Artistic? For Sure! Genius? Absolutely! I mean anyone who goes from stripper to pop icon and pulls off those creepy costumes that she rocks on a daily basis and not give a dang about what no one has to say is FIERCE in my eyes. She's like the Madonna of our day! So, I have succumb to the madness and say, I luv me some Lady Gaga!



Since, Bey is the QUEEN of all things it is so unfair to say that this video is "Featuring" Beyonce because she's the WO-MAN! My gurl don't make video features BEY is the VIDEO!!!



Do you love or hate?

-Nakia

Album Review: The Love & War MasterPeace

Timeless, Raw, and oh so Eloquent are words to describe the R&B hippie, neo-soul, rock star's classic album "The Love & War MasterPeace". After March 3, 2010 the music industry will never be the same with the release of Raheem Devaughn's latest project. The DMV native has took music making to higher heights on "The Love & War MasterPeace", which goes beyond old fans expectations and is sure to create a cult of R&B hippie followers.

Mr. Devaughn has definitely earned a timeless artists rank on this album, which is reminiscent of an audio history book with a dash of spoken word documenting past and present wars, devastating natural disasters such as the earthquake in Chile and Haiti, and records the impact Love can have on mankind.


"The Love & War MasterPeace" is narrated by Dr. Cornel West who offers his perspective on Raheem's delivery of his musical R&B sermon. West declares in the albums intro, "Marvin Gaye, Donnie Hathaway, Isaac Hayes, Nina Simone, Bob Marley, and Gil Scott-Heron is now coming alive in the music of my dear brother Raheem Devaughn! He's created a masterpiece, but he wants inner peace to be found in your life, so that your life can be a masterpiece as you listen to his masterpiece."

On the first track "Bulletproof" Raheem tackles the issue of oversea and street wars. He sings, " Some will die over oil, kill over land. Charge you for taxes and Blame Uncle Sam. Read you your rights and charge you for nothing. Now who’s really gangsta?".

The album features collaborations with Damian " Junior Gong" Marley, Ludacris, Wale, and Malik Yuself. There are numerous tracks that are just plain beautiful, witty, and touching discussing issues of domestic violence "Black and Blue", war "Nobody Wins A War", marriage "Wife" and surprisingly dildos "B.O.B".

"Nobody Wins A War" is a star studded collaboration with Jill Scott, Bilal, Anthony Hamilton, Ledisi, Chrisette Michele, Citizen Cope, Dwele and Chico DeBarge. "Nobody Wins A War" sounds like a 2010 version of Marvin Gaye's "What's going on". Its truly a deep track that sheds a bright light and a loud roar on the pointless act of war. Jill Scott delivers a strong spoken word piece at the end of this track calling out the government.

One word that is extremely fitting to describe "The Love & War MasterPeace" is without a doubt, no punches held, Classic...

New Video: Monica "Everything to Me"

Still Standing needs to hit stores sooner than March 23 because fans including myself are waiting impatiently for Monica's album to drop. I absolutely love her latest single "Everything to me," which samples Deniece Williams old school classic "Silly".

Here's a pic of Deniece!


I'm so proud of Miss.Thang-do ya'll remember that album loved it?---Anywho, i'm so proud of Monica showcasing her acting talents in this mini movie/video that actually makes sense. Its so difficult to find an interesting music video that matches the content in the song. You did ya thang in this video Monica! Thanks for the eye candy too, Mr. Chad Ochocinco who plays for the Cincinnati Bengals and plays Monica's boo in this video.

ATL's Queen Peach leaves a sweet dedication to the late fashinisto Alexander McQueen who lent his threads for Monica to rock in this video.



-Nakia

Exclusive Video:Vaughn Anthony "In Your Shoes" Teaser

Its post Valentine's Day and hopefully our lovers are still in the state of their V-Day bliss. As the week begins I am more than pleased to feature one of the Most Slept on Artists of the past couple of years Mr.Vaughn Anthony. Guess who's his Grammy winning brother? If you want to know then you better Google him Baby! I won't even mention his bro's name because his talent stands alone and with the launching of my new site I will feature an intimate interview with this talented artist to give you the inside scoop on his upcoming album and life as a MSOA.

If you are into that real R&B sound, keep your eyes on Mr.Vaughn Anthony whose music is easy on the ears and looks are pleasant to the eyes.

Here's a teaser for his latest video "In Your Shoes". Enjoy!

"In Your Shoes" -- Artist: Vaughn Anthony - TEASER from Sandra Varona on Vimeo.

Stay Tuned www.mostsleptonartists.com Is Coming Soon!

-Nakia

Exclusive: Rihanna "Rude Boy"

Rihanna gets sassy and a likkle rastafari on us in her new video "Rude Boy". Ladies, what else is bound to happen to us after a relationship has gone sour? Oh yes, we go buckwild to shake ourselves loose from that loser! Just check out RiRi in this video riding a horse like she's in a rodeo... Point proven.



-Nakia

From Earthquake in Haiti to Lauryn Hill Shaking The Stage In New Zealand

True Pride! Yay Colts!

The earthquake in Haiti has been devastating not only to Haitians, but the world. This tragedy has not only shook Haiti's native land, but the minds and hearts of those who have a connection with Africans throughout the diaspora. The images displayed on television and on front covers of magazines and newspapers will forever leave an imprint in my mind.

Through the spirits of Haitian people raising praises to God while facing destruction it has taught me the essential lesson of giving back and the true definition of faith & prayer. Wyclef is so amazing and he is the prototype of what black pride is all about and restoring your own community in times of need. I would like to know where is my boy's Nobel Peace Prize? Because Wyclef has been screaming Yele before the earthquake. I believe that respect is due to those who earn it and Wyclef's respect is long overdue because he does good deeds without the pats on the back or "bandwagonist" or screams for Haiti when the people have been screaming for centuries. This not the beginning of Haitians fight to rebuild their country, its just a continuation and a setback from the emancipation and slave revolt in 1804. I say all this because it is going to take more than 2 weeks worth of water, biscuits, and rice to save this country. Its going to take nation building, faith in God, and Prayer... Not media exploitation, pity, and improper utilization of all funds raised to "support Haiti". If it was up to me I would say Wyclef for Prez in Haiti, but all I can do for now is groove to this performance & pray for Haiti... Although, I could only translate parts of french hidden in the church/carnival creole break down I was still gigging in my room like, Ayiti!

"Earthquake we seen the earth shake but the soul of the haitian people it will never break!" Loved it!

Donate Now: 1-877-99-HAITI in US/Canada, or go to www.hopeforhaitinow.org

Apple will be donating the sales proceeds from the iTunes.com/Haiti downloads and purchases in various organizations to help Haitians. These organizations include: Red Cross, Clinton-Bush Haiti Foundation and Wyclef’s Yele Haiti foundation.

Buy the Hope for Haiti Benefit Concert Album now at iTunes.com/Haiti and help a lot of Haitians.

The Hope for Haiti Telethon is now finished. How much did Hope for Haiti raised? Hope for Haiti Teletho raised more than $58 Million.
Speaking of all things Wyclef, Lauryn Hill is back on the scene she performed at New Zealands Raggamuffin Festival. Seriously, I pray Lauryn Hill finds a dose of sanity, so she can make another classic album because I heart & miss her so. Enjoy!



It was extremely touching to see so many celebrities come out and support Haiti during last weeks telethon.





Melanie Fiona's Redemption Song For Haiti. I heart her too!

NYE: Sex and The City 2010

Ladies and gentlefemmes I know you have been searching the web for this trailer and fortunately I got that good clip that you have been waiting for...

Everyone deserves a little Sex and The City, so before you make your unrealistic New Year's Resolution to abstain from all guilty pleasures. Indulge in this trailer before midnight.

Enjoy!



I swear my boy Hova is taking over the planet! "Empire State of Mind" featured on the Sex and The City Trailer. What more can I say, but its da Roc!!!

Although, this trailer is filled with such ambiguity it strangely kept me on the edge of my seat grasping onto my MacBook. It does not feed any of the rumors of Carrie being pregnant, someone suddenly dying, or any real clips of it being any good, but who cares! If you are part of the Sex and The City cult you will be dressed in your sexy number with those expensive Christian Louboutin's on your feet, followed by Cosmo's with your girls after this summer's premiere.

See you there!


Happy New Years! Hanukkah & Kwanzaa!!!

New Videos, Album Releases, & Music Chit Chatter

My two month hiatus is over and i'm back to do what I do best, which is bring brand new flavor to your ear. Its been a while, but a sista has been mucho busy trying to get her personal life in order while staying up to date with the latest in music.

So, lets get straight to the music biz.


My favorite male r&b group Ju-Taun has been crazy busy traveling from ATL to Philly and hitting up almost every major city promoting their latest album Love Changes Things, if you haven't copped it you need to download it quick on i-tunes, like right now. Don't sleep on true talent people! You can follow my boys on twitter www.twitter.com/jutaun.



Amerie released her latest album In Love & War yesterday. Honestly, I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet, so i'll keep you posted on my thoughts about that project.


The beautiful and timeless artist Ayah released her new video In My Lifetime, which is a collaborative effort to promote awareness and funds for The Remix Project. The Remix Project is an urban youth initiative that supports, provides resources, and guides youth, ages 16-22, in identifying and reaching their career goals! So, make sure to check out this organization and support the youth.

Absolutely, love, love, love this song & video is simple and sweet.






BTW, Alicia i'm loving the leather jumpsuit topped off with the fresh Christian Louboutin pumps. Fierceeee!!!

Now, you know I wasn't going to fail to mention my man Jay-Z who recently released his highly anticipated video Empire State of Mind . Anyone who has ever had a whiff of the funky shish kabob, sewer, and hot dog aroma on the streets of New York City knows exactly what an Empire State of Mind is all about. Although I will forever be a beantown girl at heart I adore The Big Apple. Its just something about the vibe and energy of NYC. The concrete jungle just makes you want to grind, live, and love harder. Hov's video absolutely catches the essence of NYC, which is why Hov is the man in my book. I will continue to have this track on heavy rotation while I sing with my brush to AK's part in the morning as I get dressed for work.





-Nakia

Alicia Keys: New Single "Doesn't Mean Anything"

Two Days after she tore it up on stage with Jay-Z at the VMA's Alicia Keys releases her debut single, "Doesn't mean anything". The lyrics on this track are interesting especially with all of the rumored speculations about her love life and how my girl is a home wrecker and what not. Leave the woman alone!

Her voice on this track sounds very solemn, which is unlike the singer who usually sings with such conviction. Wonder who this song was written for... Maybe things have gone sore with Swizz and she's trying to reconcile with her ex boo Krucial Keys? Enough, of my attempt to be a gossip columnist. I think this track is nice and I can't wait to hear her new project.



This single will be available on iTunes Tuesday September 22.

If you missed Alicia Keys and Jay Perform "Empire State of Mind" on the VMA's here you go!

SAMSUNG AT&T SUMMER KRUSH PRESENTS MAXWELL

Tonight there was no throwing panties, ladies being serenaded on stage, or heavy bumping and grinding for the Maxwell show presented by Samsung AT&T Summer Krush tour at the House of Blues. Instead, there was light bumping and grinding for TV, long lines which snaked down Lansdowne street and impatient fans inside Fenway's House of Blues chanting, "Lets go Maxwell, lets go!" as they waited for the sexy soul singer to hit the stage. Inside the HOB it was packed with hundreds of lucky winners who were granted free access into a private taping of Maxwell performing live for the Jimmy Kimmel Show airing this Friday evening on ABC at 12:05am EST.

A couple of hours before the show Maxwell twittered to Beantown fans, "BOSTON thank you in advance for the ridiculous line you all done started around the block at the House Of Blues....."

The holy ghost was no where to be found as the Pentecostal raised soul singer Maxwell sung his heart out on stage for local Beantown fans and Jimmy Kimmel viewers. The Brooklyn native revealed some intimate information to the crowd about his childhood admitting that he was once a Boston resident for about a year until his home burnt down and forced his family to move back to New York City quick, fast, and in a hurry. Hmm... Wonder what complex housed his Pretty Wings?

Maxwell is definitely a crowd pleaser and teaser singing old skool and new tracks "Bad Habit", "Stop the world", "Pretty Wings", "Fortunate" and of course "Woman's Work". As always this show was strictly for the ladies and their men who like the Red Sox wanted to score a home run with the screaming femme fans in the audience.

Tonight's show was part of the third annual Samsung AT&T Summer Krush concert series, an exclusive music tour featuring well-known musical acts, designed to provide attendees with private concerts and the opportunity to experience the slim-designed Samsung JACK(TM) mobile phone, which was given out to a few lucky concert attendees.

Overall, the show was short and sweet leaving Maxwell tunes lingering in the minds and hearts of pleased fans...

To see what town Maxwell will hit up next just check out his site!

Sundays Best: New Track Jay-Z OFF THAT

A lot of Twitter peeps and the entire web world have mixed feelings about Jay-Z's new track "Off That" featuring Drake.

"JAY-Z CLEARLY THE BEST RAPPER ALIVE... i wish he would have some better hits like he used to.... :/," says Twitter user ThaeBaeddest.

"Dammit...I was anticipating this album, but between this and "Run This Town"...shitty at best. Most verses are plain nonsense and songs sound as commercial as ever!! Minus D.O.A. anyways(NO ID's production complimented Jay beautifully) What was the point of even having Drake on that track? I was at least hoping he skewed my opinion of him and dropped some substance, rather than the watered down stuff i'd heard before this, " says Allhiphop.com user CaptainBackSlap.

Ouch!



Simmer down Twitter and All Hip Hop peeps, simmer down. I'm actually feeling this track. Music lovers what about evolution?
Everything in life has to evolve and that includes music people! I think we are so afraid of change that we can't appreciate growth and unique sounds, objects, and etc because we are so use to watered down artistry. If every track on this album sounded like Blueprint I or II folks would complain about Hov not stepping out of the box. Well, FYI Jay-Z is the box! And like his woman Bey he can do whatever the heck he pleases as long as his same remains Shawn Carter his true fans will still love him. I'm excited about September 11, which symbolizes change for America and Jay's album being dropped on that day symbolizes an attack (in a good way) and bold moves in the hip-hop industry. So, whether or not this track makes the final cut on Blueprint III one thing is for sure... Jay-Z's album is the most anticipated and probably will be one of the hottest albums of 2009.




So, leave your comments and let me know what you think about "Off That" featuring Canada's finest Drizzy.


Run This Town

Sunday's Best: Beantown's Own LaNeah

MJB's protege LaNeah is a woman on the move with a hot, timeless, and classic sound and surprisingly she is from my neck of the woods Massachusetts. Yes, she is a beantown girl at heart rockin the mic to Hov's beats underneath the wing of the queen of hip-hop and r&b. LaNeah is signed to Matriarch / Interscope records which Mary is the HBIC of. LaNeah's musical vibe was absolutely Love @ first sound. Hearing her debut single "Screaming My Name" just made me want to grind harder and I fiend for more of her music and proclaim her as this week's Sunday's Best.

Listen, Watch, & Enjoy!




LaNeah's sound is hot right? Told ya! In addition, her grind and hustle to make it to the top is very inspirational. She is also a heavy writer in the game and her most recent work was Kanye's "Love Lockdown". Keep it locked on MSOA to find out more updates and info on LaNeah because she is indeed a Slept On Artist that you should keep your eye on...

Follow LaNeah on Twitter! Twitter.com/TheRealLaNeah
Oh yeah, you can follow me too! Twitter.com/kiawriter

Sunday's Best: Rock The Bells Review

Yesterdays Rock The Bells concert in Mansfield/Boston Massachusetts was packed with screaming fans, loud music, crazy emcees rocking the mic, and the potent smell of ganja filled air.
Although, I missed more than half of the show I arrived just in time to hear Big Boi sing, "Kryptonite" from the parking lot as my guest and I speed walked towards Will Call to pick up our tickets.

Once I entered Comcast Center there were mobs of people with hip-hop influenced attire on, socializing and trying to find their way back to their seats before the next performer hit the stage. When I finally reached my assigned seat I was greeted by a few Rock The Bells goers sucking on cancer sticks, which were disgustingly unbearable to inhale, so my friend and I debated with the ushers and upgraded our seats 12 rows forward.

After a quick intermission and a clearer view of the stage Queensbridge's own Nas hit the stage performing the classic tune "The world is yours" which had true hip-hop fans going crazy. As my friend and I raised our fist in the air screaming to "My president is black" we peeped our surroundings we realized that we were the only folks jamming to that tune until "Made you look" and "Got ur self a gun" came on and then to our surprise hundreds of fans decided that they wanted to raise their guns in the air to some of Nas's most ignorant tracks.

Nas's performance was the opening act of the Distant Relatives portion of the show, which was the last segment of Rock The Bells. When Damian Marley and Nas graced the stage together singing their famous track "Road to Zion" and new music from their upcoming EP Distant Relatives it was pure magic. I had no flipping idea that Nas and Damian Marley were recording an album together focusing on Africa and its influence on modern day society and its connection to its people. From the sounds of tracks such as "Africa Must Wake Up" Distant relatives is going to be one of the sickest collaborations that has reached our ears in years.

NAS & DAMIAN "JR GONG" MARLEY DISTANT RELATIVES preview from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Performance in Chicago! Peep the background singers/energy dancers who were killing it on stage last night!


Other performers included The Roots, Chali 2NA, Knaan, and Common, Eyedea & Abilities, and Many More...






Rock The Bells is in NYC Tonight!!!!!

Video: Wale "Chillin"

I know i'm a tidbit late, but this is the first time I've seen this video. Love Wale! The first time I ever heard or seen this DC native's face/music was in 2006 "Dig Dug (Shake It)". I checked him out and I really didn't know what to think.

Dig Dug Shake It - Wale!

Although, I believed he was a skilled emcee, I doubted the industry would take a rapper from DC seriously, but boy was I wrong. So, happy to see a Go-Go music lover get some shine.

Check out Wale's latest video "Chillin"!. If you've never been to DC trust me, its definitely a place you would love to visit. I attended Howard University, so I definitely appreciated shots of Ben's Chilli Bowl, Georgia Ave, and Cardoza High School which helped capture the true essence of DC. Ben's Chilli Bowl is the spot to get the best chilli dog and chilli cheese fries after you get your dance on at club Love. Mmm... I can taste that chilli now.


Oh yeah, the infamous Lady Gaga is featured in this video too, not much to say about that one, but she's getting paid branching outside of pop music. I ain't mad Lady Gaga, I ain't mad at ya!


Enjoy Wale's Introduction to Chocolate City!!!