The Cousin of Death

Album Match Up

2006-07-20T21:22:00.000-04:00

Here's a little fun idea I got off from Bol where I compare two albums and try to determine which one is better. Yes simple idea. Since this site is strictly Hip Hop I will only being doing Hip Hop albums. With the first match being:

Big Daddy Kane: Long Live the Kane vs. Boogie Down Productions: Criminal Minded

IMPACT/INFLUENCE
With Criminal Minded being release in '87 and Long Live the Kane released in '88. With this being said they were apart of the "Golden Age" of Hip Hop. While basically everyone who was in Hip Hop became a fan of Big Daddy Kane. BDP gained the most noise while putting out the city anthem "South Bronx". I can remember watching a video on when they first put on "South Bronx" in the Bronx. DJ Red Alert (DJ of the event) had to replay that tape 3 times in a row. If something else would come on the crowd would just yell "South Bronx, South, South Bronx. South Bronx, South, South Bronx". But that's not just it with their impact. KRS-One also write debatably one of the best diss records ever "The Bridge is Over". Dissing The Queens section for a mis-communication of KRS thinking that MC Shan said "Hip Hop started out in Queens". KRS-One pretty much tore apart Marley Marl and his crew on that track. Criminal Minded takes this one.
SONG VS. SONG
If I had to compare each song on the album verse each other in sequential order I would say Big Daddy Kane takes this 5-4-1. Best songs from Long Live the Kane: "Long Live the Kane" "Raw (Remix)" "Set it Off" "Ain't No Half Steppin". Criminal Minded: "Poetry" "South Bronx" "9mm Goes Bang" "The Bridge is Over".
ALBUM COVERS
Well Big Daddy Kane is obviously stating that he is the emperor of the rap game (everyone knew that Rakim was at the time but #1 Rakim #2 KRS-One #3 Big Daddy Kane so he's up there). With gorgeous women pampering him and basically being his property. What's there not to love? However with BDP you have one of the first "violent" album covers with KRS-One and DJ Scott La Rock (R.I.P.) loading up their clips. Both are pretty dope but since KRS had the "balls" to make it the first "violent" album cover I would say Criminal Minded takes this one.
PRODUCTION
With producers Mister Cee (For Big Daddy Kane) and DJ Scott La Rock (For Boogie Down Productions) one might say it's a pretty even match but I don't know. With beats like "Raw (Remix)" and "Ain't No Half Steppin" it's pretty hard to compare when the dopest beat on Criminal Minded (no it wasn't "Dope Beat") "South Bronx". I would say Long Live the Kane takes this one.

Okay so with all this being said we're tied 2-2. See now if you were to ask me which one I like better I would tell you Long Live the Kane but we're trying to establish facts now, not get out opinions. I would say that Criminal Minded takes this because of the messages in KRS's lyrics and the impact they made coming into the rap game. However this was a very close match up.

Well that about wraps it up for this edition of "Album Match Up" I'll leave you off with "Ain't No Half Steppin" and "The Bridge is Over"

Greatest Gangster Rappers

2006-07-17T22:11:00.000-04:00

Over the course of Hip Hop there have been rappers who always encorporate the street life throughout the lyrics. Many rappers were true to their word and made beautiful descriptions of the crime life. But then there have been other rappers who did it poorly and didn't live out to anything they ever rhymed about. Well here's my top 5 on the best rappers in the gangster sub-genre.

5) Scarface
4) 2Pac
3) Ice Cube
2) Notorious B.I.G.
1) Kool G. Rap

This is obviously just my opinion.

I don't think anyone did the gangster image in the rap game better than Kool G. Rap did. 2Pac did a good job but he like Biggie had way too many "commercial songs". Now not to be hypocritical in the same aspect with Biggie. I just feel he did a great job in his lyrics with the crime life. Ice Cube was one of the original gangster rappers and one of the founding fathers of the sub-genre. Scarface is a highly underrated rapper and is a dope gangster rapper. I mean with a name like "Scarface" what do you think he'd rhyme about?

Old School Friday

2006-07-14T15:25:00.000-04:00

What used to be Old School Wednesday, has now moved to Friday.

Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five: The Message
(1982)

Most Consistent Lyricists/Rappers

2006-07-14T14:20:00.000-04:00

This is a breakdown of rappers who I feel are/were most consistent over their career.

5) Talib Kweli (BlackStar, Reflection Eternal, Solo)
4) KRS-One (Boogie Down Productions, Solo)
3) Common (Solo)
2) Guru (Gang Starr, Solo)
1) Rakim (Eric B. & Rakim, Solo)

Explanations:
Talib Kweli- Hasn't had a bad album to this date. Has three classics on his resume.
KRS-One- Been in the game since '87 and has been dope since.
Common- Other than Electric Circus, everything he's done is nice.
Guru- Everything Gang Starr did can be questioned as a classic. Also his jazzmatazz series was dope. Everything except for like Baldhead da Slick was nice.
Rakim- No need for an explanation.

HM: 2Pac

Most Overrated Lyricists/Rappers

2006-07-14T14:17:00.000-04:00

You know the deal, let's just get into this.

5) Eminem (D12, Solo)
4) Jay-Z (Solo)
3) Young Jeezy (Boys in Da Hood, Solo)
2) Notorious B.I.G. (Junior Mafia, Solo)
1) 2Pac (Digital Underground, Solo)

All right well Young Jeezy in my opinion is just not good. Yet it seems like everyone loves him. Why is that? Also I don't know if Biggie should be that high. Though everyone will say him or Pac are the GOAT. When truthfully neither of them are it. But I've finally excepted that going by pure skills Biggie is defiantly Top 3.

Most Underrated Lyricists/Rappers

2006-07-11T22:52:00.000-04:00

This has always been a conversation when mentioning a great a rapper who doesn't get the credit he deserves. Anyone who visits this blog (No one) you can leave your comments too. I'm going to try for a Top 5 Most Underrated. It's not going to be perfect, but it'll be damn near.

5: Slick Rick (Solo)
4: Common (Solo)
3: Black Thought (The Roots)
2: Big L (D.I.T.C., Children of the Corn, Solo)
1: AZ (The Firm, Solo)

Some of my choices are maybe questionable but I feel that they're definetely somewhere top 25, and some of them top 10. Yet their names rarely gets mentioned. Actually with Hip Hop Heads their names get mentioned a lot.

Honorable Mentions: Kool Moe Dee (Threacherous Three, Solo), Guru (Gang Starr, Solo), Mos Def (Black Star, Solo), Andre 3000 (OutKast, Solo), Scarface (Geto Boys, Solo), and Inspectah Deck (Wu-Tang Clan).

Tomorrow I will be doing most overrated, peace.

Patrice O'Neal

2006-07-10T22:42:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry for no Hip Hop post today, but this guy is just too funny. Enjoy.

Underground Sunday: The Artifacts- Wrong Side of the Tracks

2006-07-09T15:56:00.000-04:00

The Artifacts: Wrong Side of the Tracks

Brick City Stand Up! (NEWARK FOR ALL YA'LL WHO DON'T KNOW!)

Also pause this video at 5 seconds, it's a beautiful thing :-D.

Underground Weekend

2006-07-08T11:55:00.000-04:00

All right. I just got back the other day, so up and blogging. Here's another underground joint that I feel should be posted up here:

Ras Kass: Anything Goes

Underground Sunday

2006-07-02T09:35:00.000-04:00

The Society of Invisbles- Watching You

The Future

2006-06-29T13:06:00.000-04:00

So, in the year 2006. Hip Hop is the leading music genre in the mainstream. With Hip Hop being alive (some may say it's on "life support" these days[1] ) for over 2 decades. Legends come and go, and being that a bunch of new artists have emerged onto the scene since 2000. Let's look over the future artists in Hip Hop who will truely strive for success.

Joe Budden: Yes that's right, Jersey's own. Joe Budden. Everyone can recall Budden from the song "Pump it Up". His first album (selftitled) was critically acclaimed and did fairly well with the mainstream. At first I really didn't think much of Budden other than he was reppin' the Garden. But during his 3 year hiatus he has appeared on mixtapes and dropped new material. I, of course. Went through and checked out some of his new material and I must say. The man has defiantly elevated. A song that can really explain that is 3 Sides of a Story. I wish I could get it on here, however I have no idea how to since it doesn't have a video. But if anyone who visits this blog, has a downloading program. Should defiantly download that song and listen to the storytelling, truely a great song.

The Growth was at first supposed to come out last summer, however it was pushed back several times and is now scheduled to come out this summer. I will defiantly be checking that out and I hope all is well with Joe.

Lupe Fiasco: Ah yes, the young kid from the windy city. Is it me, or Chicago heavily slept on? I mean seriously. They're one of the few major cities to never take over the game. I mean with artists like Common, and Kanye West. That's really only what the chi-town is known for.

I'm pretty sure anyone who stays up on Hip Hop has heard the song Kick, Push. That song to me is pretty hot, and with a part II out there Kick, Push II. It's pretty hard to deny that Lupe is the kid. I also did some research on the boy and realized that he is just dope. So again if you have a downloading program (Ares, Limewire, Etc.) put in as a search "Lupe Fiasco" (under artist) and download away. I guarantee you, you'll enjoy it.

His album Food and Liquor, has been pushed back and is scheduled to come out sometime in August. I again, of course am going to pick up this album. I feel that this and Blue Collar will defiantly be the top albums of the year.

Rhymefest: Speaking of Blue Collar, here's the man who's putting out that album. Rhymefest. People may have seen the video or the song Brand New. I feel that, that song is pretty nice but. I've also downloaded some other joints that might be on his upcoming album and I've got to say. This album is going to be serious. I'm pretty sure this album has been pushed back too, but is scheduled to come out in like 2 weeks. (YES IM GOING TO PICK THIS UP!)

So yeah there are more future artists out there (T.I., Lil' Wayne, Ray Cash, ETC.) These two me are the brand new (kinda) artists that will stand the test of time.

[1]I would disagree

Here are some videos that they have released.

Observations/Old School Wednesday

2006-06-28T20:29:00.000-04:00

So I don't really have a post today. But I do have some interesting thoughts about certain rappers.

1) Jay-Z: Why is that Jay got started with a "Big" rapper for his career? He started with Big Daddy Kane, then Big L, then Biggie. Strange coincidence I see.
2) Big L: All right even though he died (terrible day). Why was is it that, he was going to drop The Big Picture in '99? His first album debuted in '95. Why did he take a 4 year hiatus? That's unsual.
3) Rakim: Even though it was only "rumored" that Rakim and Big Daddy Kane were going to have some sort of beef. Am I the only one who feels that "I Ain't No Joke" (the song rumored that was directed at BDK) would have been THE BEST DISS SONG EVER?! I mean just go and listen to that song and pretend he's talking about BDK. You'll defiantly see just how great of a diss track that "could" have been.
4) Common: If Common's '07 release Finding Forever is as good as Be was. Who here (other than me) feels that Common should defiantly get maybe some sort of recognition in the top 10? I mean no one feels that now because truth be told, he really hasn't had the biggest influence on the game. But if we're going by just straight up skills and album quality. I defiantly feel he should be in. Maybe. Haha.

Here's Two Videos (Rakim- I Ain't No Joke and a "Boondocks" (not that movie the funny cartoon) where Gin Rummy (Samuel L. Jackson) tries to explain the unknown-unkown. Yeah.)

Knucklin' It Up

2006-06-26T23:18:00.000-04:00

Freddie Foxxx aka Bumpy Knuckles is the truth. A simple statement I've been saying for a while. A member of the elite Gang Starr Foundation. Bumpy has been kickin' what us hip hop fans love since back in the day. With a new mixtape due July 20 titled Street Triumph and his new album due in the fall titled The American Black Man. It's a fact that the foxxx is ready for a comeback.

But what really got me thinkin' about Bumpy again is his interview on HipHopGame. The interview is on some real talk, not holdin' his tongue lingo. Defiantly check out the interview right here.

Where he discusses the issues of East Coast Hip Hop (A new and interesting perspective), the culture, Jay-Z, his life, etc.

Trust me the length of the interview is long but it's defiantly worth your while.

To Bumpy, I'mma defiantly be out there coppin' your new mixtape and album.

Props to NahRight for the set-up.

Underground Sunday!

2006-06-25T22:49:00.000-04:00

Lawless Element Music Video Codes

Now Playing: Lawless Element - Rules Pt. 2

Brought you by: Myspace Games

Underground Detroit Group, Lawless Element- Rules Pt. 2

Busta Rhymes: The Big Bang Album Review

2006-06-22T21:58:00.000-04:00

The Big Bang, the latest Busta Rhymes release. Busta has defiantly changed. Different hair, different label (Aftermath), and different style. I say different style because on this album especially. Busta defiantly changed his way of rhyming. Not entirely, but for the most part. With this in mind, let's review.

Come Get You Some (Feat. Q-Tip and Marsha from Floetry)
3/5
Touch It
4/5
We Do It Over Here (Feat. Missy Elliot)
3/5
New York Shit (Feat. Swizz Beatz)
4/5
Been Through the Storm (Feat. Stevie Wonder)
5/5
In the Ghetto (Feat. Rick James)
4/5
Cocaina (Feat. Marsha from Floetry)
3/5
You Can't Hold the Torch (Feat. Q-Tip)
4/5
Goldmine (Feat. Raekwon the Chef)
4/5
I Love My Bitch (Feat. Kelis & Will.I.Am
4/5
Don't Get Carried Away (Feat. Nas)
4/5
They're Out to Get Me (Feat. Mr. Porter)
3/5
Get Down
3/5
I'll Do It All (Feat. LaToiya Williams)
3/5
Legend of the Fall Offs
4/5

Overall: Pretty decent album from Busta Bus. This album gets mixed reviews, but in my opinion I'd say it was a decent project. Has it's highs and lows. He doesn't have too much energy in these tracks is what people might miss. But I think it's just fine.

Total: 55/75 or a 73.3 or a C

The hot remix we've all seen, is not on this album. Bummer.

Old School Wednesday

2006-06-21T18:13:00.000-04:00

Off the classic album, and debatably the greatest hip hop album of all time. Illmatic. One of Nas's singles, "It Ain't Hard to Tell". Well watch and enjoy.

Today Marks The Official Beginning of Summer

2006-06-21T18:04:00.000-04:00

Well today is summer. For me, I still have one day left of school. The anticipation for this is overwhelming. School takes a toll on me, and I really need a break. I plan on going on vacation with family and friends. Be with some of my good girl friends, and friends, and just "kick back relax and let myself go".

Summer also is a hot season for Hip Hop. With all the bangers being a summer thing, let's see what's due to come out this summer.

Nas: Hip Hop is Dead
Raekwon the Chef: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2
Joe Budden: The Growth
DMX: The Year of the Dog...Again
Lloyd Banks: Rotten Apple
Boot Camp Clik: The Last Stand
Papoose: The Nacirema Dream

This is all I can recall at the moment. All of these albums (if they come out) I will defiantly check and most likely give a review for.

Ice Cube: Laugh Now, Cry Later Album Review

2006-06-20T11:37:00.000-04:00

Ice Cube: Laugh Now, Cry Later

All right well, I'm not much of the reviewer. In fact all I do is go by a rating system. Don't really feel like going through an entire track description. No. Well okay here we go.

Definition of a West Coast G' (Intro)
------------------------------------------
Why We Thugs
4/5
Smoke Some Weed
4/5
Dimes & Nicks (A Call From Mikes Epps)
-----------------------------------------------
Child Support
4/5
2 Decades Ago [Insert]
--------------------------
Doin' What It Pose 2Do
3/5
Laugh Now, Cry Later
3/5
Stop Snitchin'
4/5
Go to Church (Feat. Snoop Dogg & Lil' Jon)
3/5
The Nigga Trap
4/5
A History of Violence [Insert]
----------------------------------
Growin' Up
4/5
Click, Clak- Get Back!
3/5
The Game Lord
3/5
Chrome & Paint (Feat. WC)
4/5
Steal the Show
4/5
You Gotta Lotta That (Feat. Snoop Dogg)
4/5
Spittin' Pollaseeds (Feat. WC & Kokane)
4/5
Holla @ Cha Boy
4/5

Overall: This is a pretty strong effort to show the Hip Hop fans that this once deadly lyricist on top of the game still has it. Sure he's not the same Ice Cube from AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted or Death Certificate. However, this album is still pretty nice in it's entirety.

Total Score: 59/80= 73.75 or a C

Nas- Where Ya'll At

2006-06-20T11:30:00.000-04:00

Nas: Where Ya'll At

Nas comes straight out of the dungeons of rap with this new joint.

I once read an interview that Nas wanted to "expand his fanbase with this new album. Get the fans that he deserves." Right away when I heard this I was certain Nas was going to go '98 Hov on us. However on this track he proves to keep it real.

I just can hope that Nas brings this same fire on his upcoming album "Hip Hop is Dead".

Props to NahRight on the track.

2Pac- Hit 'Em Up

2006-06-19T11:49:00.000-04:00

Yes the classic 2Pac diss with shots fired at the East Coast. Specifically Notorious B.I.G., and the whole Bad Boy family. Well I did some researching and I found out the real way this diss song was made. Yeah 2Pac you can't out smart me, props to Barney.

The Cousin of Death

2006-06-19T11:31:00.000-04:00

Hello, welcome to my blog. You can call me Sleep. A little biography about me is that I'm an aspiring poet who also happens to be an emcee. While I've never spit on a mic yet, I'm mastering my craft as a textcee. Elevating my rhymes one bar at a time. However this blog will mostly focus on Hip Hop news, my point of views, thoughts. Yeah pretty much this whole blog will be dedicated to Hip Hop.

So come by and stop often leave some feedback and enjoy my entries.

:1: