Stunted Growth
12:00PM ET March 12, 2010
By Mathis Bauchner
A Rocky Williform Company

Rating:

For the past decade Ludacris has been one of hip-hop's biggest success stories. He's sold over 20 million records worldwide, has numerous hit singles on his resume, and his acting career continues to blossom. But one could argue Luda has yet to put together a great album. As talented as he is, he seems content to stay in his comfort zone. His latest release, Battle of the Sexes, is another radio friendly offering, but it won't get him mentioned among the hip-hop elite.

Already a top ten hit, the lead single and one of B.O.T.S.' best tracks, 'How Low' captures Ludacris in a nutshell, fun loving, his flow jam-packed with irresistible energy as he admires the abilities of ass-shakers the world over. It's what listeners have come to expect from him and it sounds great coming out of car speakers or in a club. It may not compare to more lyrical efforts but it is an example of the vintage Luda that fans have not heard much from lately.

He's been beating the same drum for his entire career, not that this is automatically a bad thing. Some rappers can successfully discuss the same topics album after album. But while Luda's content remains the same, his lyrics have deteriorated. On 'My Chick Bad' he declares, "Coming down the street like a parade, MACY'S, I fill her up, BALLOONS, test her and guns get drawn like cartoons.' Those punch lines may be acceptable for some but not for a veteran like Ludacris.

The rest of B.O.T.S. doesn't offer much better. True to its title, nearly all the album's tracks deal with male/female relationships in some way, but don’t hold out for any insightful observations. Luda's sexual relations are the one's most examined, with varying degrees of sensitivity. The boastful 'I Do It All Night' ("stick to you like super glue, maybe even like bubblegum") and 'Party No Mo' ('I've had about 4, 5, 6 shots, yeah I'm getting wasted, red pills, blue pills, yeah I'm in the Matrix') prompt more lyrical frustration. This is Ludacris were talking about, a 32-year-old rap veteran, and not some punk kid talking shit on his debut mixtape. He's way too talented to be navigating his way through tracks with lines this cliché.

Not to say B.O.T.S. doesn't have its moments. 'Sex Room,' with Trey Songz, is a sappy lovemaking anthem that's perfectly crafted to become a hit. 'I Know You Got A Man' serves as a reminder of how ridiculously good Ludacris' flow can be when he really commits to it. Flo Rida's featured on the track and he actually compliments Luda well, however, mismatched production and an overly repetitive singsong hook leaves the finished product sounding mediocre. That's a common theme throughout B.O.T.S. For the majority of album, Luda and his production team, which includes Swizz Beatz and The Neptunes, can't seem to get on the same page, Luda's flow either too laidback or too aggressive for the beat in question. An exception is B.O.T.S Radio, produced by The Runners, a track Luda absolutely tears to pieces.

On the surface, the album is very comparable to Ludacris' previous efforts. He's rapping about the same things, and he's just as sex-crazed, but he's not nearly as witty or entertaining. Luda's had the charts conquered for a while, and B.O.T.S., based on the performance of its first two singles, appears to be another smash. But if Luda’s wants to be mentioned with the top tier of emcees (Eminem, Jay, Nas, Kanye) he has to step his game up. For now though, he remains content to please his radio and club going audience.

Sam Adams
09:00PM ET March 4, 2010
Contributor: Mathis Bauchner
A Rocky Williform Company

Most college kids kill a fair amount of their time procrastinating with Facebook, twitter, chat roulette, etc. For Sam Adams that's not an option. He doesn't have enough minutes in the day as it is. Seven months ago the Boston native dropped his Asher Roth rebuttal, 'I Hate College.' A couple million listens later, he's releasing his debut EP, Boston's Boy (available March 5^th), while also preparing to graduate from Trinity College in the spring. He balances classes and touring, homework and studio time. At best most college kids squeeze in a part time job. Adams has an entire career to handle.

What's the significance of the EP's title?
Besides the obvious fact that I'm from Boston, I'm just sort of making the claim on new music around here. There's a ton of rappers that range from, you know, gangster rappers to backpackers, but there's never really been a mix of electronic rap and actual lyricism. So 'Boston's Boy' means a lot of different things for me, where I grew up, where I started this whole journey of me being a rapper.

Talk about the inspiration for the content of the EP?
Wow, I mean it ranges from everywhere from trips that a bunch of us have taken…where we've been touring, concerts, to stuff that happens in everyday life. I'm still in school so some of the content obviously has to do with that. Anyone that's listened to my stuff has heard 'I Hate College,' so I have some roots still tied to college [while also] wanting to get out of college, so a lot of it attests to everyday things that we go through, travels, shows, fans, interacting with everyone.

How do you think your music has developed from 'I Hate College' and some of your earlier material to now, with the stuff that's on 'Boston's Boy'?
I'd say I'm just way more comfortable in the studio, I have a better relationship with my engineer, and all my boys in general, anyone that comes to the studio…always has the right to say whatever they want, whatever they feel, you know. So I'd say me being comfortable around other people listening to my music, and being comfortable with being in the studio myself. I'm more comfortable on tracks. I used to write things in the studio, I still do sometimes, but things are more formatted, I'm a little more organized in terms of how we actually put shit down and the artistic process.

Starting out with 'I Hate College,' you immediately established that as your audience, and now going into 'Boston's Boy,' are you trying to associate yourself more with the city, are those fans separate or one in the same?
It's interesting because when I dropped 'I Hate College,' I recorded it and I was like 'It's straight, it's alright,' didn't really dig it. And then we released it and it took off, and I think it sort of represents now what our fans are. We'll have shows and my boys from the city will come, and they'll be chilling, and my boys from private school and college and everywhere, they'll come too, a cool blend of people. There's no real hostility. I think different people feel different tracks. You know, some people will probably skip over a couple tracks on the EP that they don't like because they're more into dance music, or they're more into electronic music, but I think in terms of fans, there's a pretty vast array that we have. I can never just classify it, as like backpackers or white kids, or city kids, or hood, you know.

Are you touring a lot?
Yeah, we're kicking off an 18-day tour, in the next 3-4 months. We're doing a bunch of dates.

Are you going with anyone else, or are you touring by yourself?
Mostly doing it by myself, just solo shows, but we got some joints with Chiddy Bang. In March we're doing a show with J. Cole. We're still in the works, putting something down with Kid Cudi in Pennsylvania. Then we got Arizona with Big Sean, Lupe Fiasco in Minnesota. So we got a bunch of shit coming up which is cool because it's definitely good to be seen with some other faces.

As far as being a white rapper, do you think there's still any prejudice against that?
Oh definitely. You're always going to have someone who doubts you 'cause, I mean, we didn't come up with it. Obviously there's going to be hate, especially when you're better than someone who likes rap, and thinks that they can rap. As far as the white thing goes, Eminem broke the barrier. I dig Asher Roth. But, there will always be prejudice, there will always be someone who thinks they're better...The best way to address it is just to remember it's their opinion of things, and that's how they think. That's how I deal with it.

Where'd you record 'Boston's Boy'?
Cybersound in Boston, and Westlake out in L.A., where Michael Jackson used to do his shit, which was crazy.

Talk about your relationship with your label, 1st Round Records. What's that like?
It was shaky to start, to say the least. But now...I've got a real good relationship with them. I wouldn't be where I'm at at this point without them, because I wouldn't have funding, you know...We all have a lot to learn and a lot to work on, but it's definitely a good relationship.

When did you first start rapping?
Like seriously rapping? I mean, I've been rapping since like age 8, 9, and dudes used to just dog me, but I used to suck though. I was writing on college ruled lined paper and shit and it sucked. I'd come home and my mom would read my raps and throw them out, 'cause it was all about guns and shit, stupid shit. But...then I sort of took a hiatus, didn't really focus on it. Soccer took precedence in my life, and then about 8, 9 months ago, I picked it up seriously again and realized that I actually had talent and started going with it. So on an official, authentic level, probably like 8, 9 months ago.

What do your parents think of your music?
They love it. My dad calls himself 'Hip-Hop Pops' (laughs). My mom digs it too. The new music I've been coming out with, from a parent's standpoint what's not to love? I'm not claiming any gang, I'm not throwing up a set, I'm not violent, I'm just a reflection of what I see and what I do...It's not like I'm putting on a costume or a fake or anything. It's all coming from me. So it's cool for them to see, 'cause it came out of left field. If you had asked them when I started college if I was going to be a rapper, I don't think either of them would've said yeah.

How difficult is it balancing college with your career?
Balancing the career and school and stuff was way harder [during the soccer] season, 'cause I wasn't just another player on the team. I was the captain, so leaving [practice] 40, 45 minutes early to go catch a flight to L.A. when we got a game in two days, not exactly the leadership role you want to take. Balancing soccer, and doing my work, and going to the studio, and doing shows, it got real tiring. But now it's a lot easier 'cause I got classes Tuesdays, Thursdays. Monday, Wednesday, Friday I'm usually up here [in Boston]...But yeah, it's difficult. But at the same time it's something I love, doing music, I don't love school at all, but it's something I got to do.

You looking forward to graduating?
Oh yeah. Big time, graduation is definitely something I need to get out of the way (laughs).

Since the beginning of hip-hop, the best emcees have used personal experience to power their lyrics. Adams channels similar energy with his music. There's no falsity in his songs, no gun talk, no coke raps. He captures campus life with unparalleled specificity. More so than most students, Adams understands the frustration of having to buckle down and do work despite the constant availability of more entertaining options. Even if he is dying to graduate.

IQue The Prodigy
12:00PM ET February 9, 2010
Contributor: Mathis Bauchner
A Rocky Williform Company

Few teenagers have any idea what they want to do when they grow up. Even fewer are already doing it. Atlanta native Quentin "IQue" Smith is a rare member of the latter group. At just 18, IQue is already making a name for himself as a producer, offering up beats to hip-hop mainstays. He's a graphic designer as well, giving him an edge in terms of marketing and self-promotion. While already miles ahead of his musically inclined peers, IQue still manages to balance business and school.

Calling him mature for his age would be an understatement, but being an aspiring industry mogul hasn't stopped IQue from maintaining his love for cartoons. He counts Pixar's The Incredibles as his favorite movie, admitting that he's watched it seven times. Existing in these two worlds, seeing simultaneously through the eyes of a teenager and an accomplished businessman gives IQue a unique perspective on the future of music. With string of impressive credits to his name and a mixtape of the way, Atlanta appears to have a pair of steady hands ready to grab the torch.

Atlanta is home to a ridiculous number of hip-hop greats. What does that tradition mean to you?
There are, and have always been, a lot of hip-hop greats coming out of my hometown. It is very important to me to keep the talent unfolding and setting the standards for southern hip-hop. As odd as it seems, these icons are all regular people that can be seen out and about as they live their everyday lives. Approaching them isn't difficult, so it's always a refreshing reminder to stay humble.

Do you have any mentors or people that have been particularly supportive thus far in your music career?
My parents have been very supportive of my music both mentally and financially. I have also had a lot of guidance from family friend Jayar Browne. He specializes in branding, marketing, and radio promotion and owns One Million Sold Inc. I have traveled to many cities and have been introduced to many people through him.

How much pressure do you feel being from Atlanta with all that's been accomplished by people that came before you?
I don't feel pressured at all actually. I am calm by nature because I live by the words, 'Everything happens for a reason.' I know that if I take care of myself, the industry will take care of itself. Everything will fall into place.

What about your music do you consider unique? In other words, what separates you from all the other producers out there?
My productions are composed of unique instrumentation and one-off sounds. I have a really clean, futuristic image that I think is portrayed in everything that I do, including music. I tend to use a lot of synths in combination with traditional instruments.

Whose music do you admire and who inspires you?
Many people would reply to this question with the typical old-school pioneers, but I am actually inspired by a lot of current music. Polow Da Don is a big inspiration to me. His productions are always thought of outside the box. He uses a lot of regular patterns in irregular ways to create very distinctive music.

A lot of people dream of making music. When did you really get serious and decide that it was what you wanted to do with your life?
I skipped the whole process of dreaming. I took the action of becoming a producer around the year 2008, when the economic recession first began. I was a typical teenager that needed a good-paying summer job, but no one was hiring. That same frustration powered my motivation to do things my way. I had been making beats as a hobby for about a year at the time and figured that I could earn some money selling tracks as I looked for a job. Eventually I began making more money producing than I would've working for someone else and doing something I didn't want to do. My mind was made up by the age of seventeen.

Where do you see your career going? What are your long-term goals?
I am eighteen years old right now. I have been very fortunate to have worked on projects with artists such as Jimmy 2 Tyme and Young Dro, Tyler Perry's Ashley Nicole Morris, and K-Rab. I plan on continuing producing for large-scale artists and branding IQue Music into a very influential company. I am in the mist of creating a promotion team named 'TechnIQue' to help market our upcoming mixtape entitled 'Musiq & Lyriqs.' My long-term goals include creating a record label that will supply the music industry with creative artists and innovative ideas and investing in the corporate world.

That's a lot of ambition and foresight for an eighteen year old. What's it like being so actively involved in the industry at such a young age?
When I was seventeen, I couldn't go to any events or (legally) be out driving past 12 o' clock, so it was very hard for me to market my music. I was pretty much limited to online advertisement. Now I can venture out, but one drawback is that people that don't know my age constantly interrupt me while I'm at school. Music is important to me, but at the end of the day, I still have homework.

Paint me a picture of a day in the life of IQue. Morning to night, how does it unfold?
I usually start my day off with a little reflection time. I have to get my thoughts together before I do anything. I may play my 'Money' playlist on my iPhone to get motivated for the day. After I get washed up, cereal keeps me company as I check my emails, make a few phone calls, and head out the door. I let the top back on the convertible and meet a few customers to deliver their tracks and graphics or head to the studio. Later on that night, I'll be at a music event promoting and networking. It's rare to see me partying, but you may see me in Lenox Mall greeting fans and shopping for an upcoming appearance.

Trendsetter
03:00PM ET December 31, 2009
Contributor: Branden J. Peters
A Rocky Williform Company

Shondrae "Bangladesh" Crawford has crafted some of the most enigmatic tracks of the last 10 years. The Atlanta by way of Iowa producer consistently throws caution to the wind when it comes to his beats. Whether it's "Video Phone" for Beyonce or "A Milli" for Lil Wayne Bangladesh’s work is always immediately noticeable.

Just like his production his list of the top albums of this decade varies but they are all certified hits.

1. Outkast - Stankonia - The music stays fresh like organic cabbage out of the garden.

2. 50 Cent – Get Rich or Die Tryin' the 1st time around your hunger is up and you’re thirsty for success. It had substance and a meaning at that time.

3. Outkast (Andre3000) - The Love Below. It covered every genre of music effortlessly. Filled with melodic themes and well written by a genius producer song writer.

4. Ghostface - Supreme Clientele – This album was unorthodox in style, I was impressed by the selection of dope beats he chose for it. The flow is incredible and he make great songs.

5. Coldplay – XandY - Was the first Coldplay album I heard and from then on I wanted to be as big as them.

6. Robin Thicke - A Beautiful World - This is the most slept on album of this decade. He embraces many different styles to make up the true sound of Robin Thicke. This is the true definition of artistry.

7. R. Kelly – TP-2 - Probably wouldn't have gotten any love but everyone that's relevant in today’s R&B world is emulating him so I guess that makes him the greatest of this decade.

8. Kanye West - College Dropout - One of the few rappers that cared about the music first.

9. Amy Winehouse – Back to Black – This album was Grammy worthy cause it was true artistry.

10. Jay-Z – Vol. 3... The life and times of Shawn Carter – He was the first major rapper to be influenced by south artist.

Watts Up
03:00PM ET December 31, 2009
Contributor: Branden J. Peters
A Rocky Williform Company

West Coast underground king Glasses Malone has been heating up the streets of California for awhile since dropping his classic street album White Lightnin... Sticks. The Blu Division CEO has been through one deal and bounced back even stronger signing with Cash Money Records. His long awaited debut Beach Cruiser is set for a 2010 release. In the meantime Glasses is keeping the streets lit by consistently releasing material via whoisgmalone.com.

Here is Malone's non-political Top 10 album of the decade.

1. Jay Z –The Blueprint - The Best Rap Album Ever.

2. Scarface – Made - Face made his grand return to the mic and put out what I believed to be an unappreciated classic.

3. Lil Wayne - Tha Carter - Lil Wayne finally stepped into a true grown man's world with this album.

4. 50 Cent - Get Rich or Die Tryin' - Gangsta Rap returned to the mainstream in a big way.

5. The Game - The Documentary - The West Coast is Back...Did you miss us?

6. Young Jeezy - Thug Motivation 101 - D Boy music like never before!

7. Rick Ross - Deeper Than Rap - Don't front ni**a... this album is ridiculous. A couple less b**ch songs and it's a bonafied classic.

8. Rick Ross – Trilla – Yeah, so what, I like 2 Ross albums, not to mention Justice League's production.

9. Shawty Lo - Units in the City - Can't explain my attachment to this album. But man, it ain't a real street nigga breathing that didn't knock it.

10. Kanye West - Late Registration - Sophomore Jinx my ass, Mr. West came back retarded. Proper ass lyricism and even better production. This album also has one of my top 5 favorite songs of all time.... "We Major" which coincidently has my favorite Nas verse on it. Not to mention Lupe's verse from Touch the Sky!

Next Up
12:00PM ET December 31, 2009
Contributor: Hip Hop Blog Staff
A Rocky Williform Company

Dow Jones and Henny make up the production duo Tha Bizness. If you are not familiar with their name you should be. The Seattle natives made two of the most popular singles to be released in 2009. The minds behind Young Money's "Every Girl" and Young Jeezy's "My President" pretty much head locked the clubs and the street this year.

The Bizness is working on upcoming projects by Lil Wayne, T-Pain and Gucci Mane as well. They took time out from the studio to share their favorite albums of the last 10 years and an honorable mention. West, west ya'll.

Eminem - Marshall Mathers LP - This album took Em to the next level.

Jay-Z - Black Album - Grand opening, grand closing... or so we thought. This is as close as one can get to a perfect album.

Game - The Documentary - The feeling on the West Coast when this album hit the streets was incredible.

50 Cent - Get Rich or Die Trying - This is possible the best debut album ever! He had like 15 singles on this album.

Big Tymers - I Got That Work - The number 1 stunnas also had a lot of dope songs that kept clubs on fire.

Lil Wayne – Tha Carter Trilogy - Weezy decided to take the game over and he was not gonna be out worked by anybody and showed he could do it all on his own.

Kanye West - Graduation - One of the best produced albums. You could listen to the beats on repeat forever.

T.I. - Urban Legend - This album was the transition from Tip to the King of the South

Clipse - Lord Willin' - They shook the whole world up with their distinct sound and cocaine flows that were dope but had wide stream appeal at the same time!

Busta Rhymes - Big Bang - One of the most slept on albums of the decade... this was by far one of the greatest produced albums and Busta showed he could change lanes and give substance, style, and growth and do more than just party songs. He is one of the most consistent rappers ever and always able to stay relevant.

Honorable Mention:

Mac Dre - Genie of the Lamp - One of the games real tragedies. Dre was truly one of kind and complied some of his best raps on this one... gone too soon. Reality rap and fool with wordplay and his own version of storytelling.

The New South
12:00PM ET December 31, 2009
Contributor: Branden J. Peters
A Rocky Williform Company

Chalie Boy is one of the few rappers to make it out of Texas that is not from Dallas or Houston. The small town rapper /singer had been grinding for years with the Dirty 3rd crew, releasing a slew of popular mixtapes before he hit big with the single "I Look Good." Now signed to Battery/Jive Chalie Boy is working on his upcoming album.

Check out his 10 favorite albums of the decade.

T.I. - Urban Legend - Tip really came into his own on this album. "Bring Em Out," "ASAP," "You Don't Know Me," and "Motivation" were all bangers.

Rick Ross - Port of Miami - Ross came out with Hustlin' and it was a wrap.

Dr. Dre - Chronic 2001 - Really goes without explanation. Great production, Eminem and Snoop rhyming with Dre. (Editor Note: This album was actually released in 1999)

Eminem - Marshall Mathers LP - Em was just sick on this album. Subject matter was crazy, and his rhyme schemes, patterns and cadences were so unique.

UGK - Underground Kingz - Last album before Pimp C passed away. RIP Pimp C. UGK made it possible for me to be where I am today.

Young Jeezy - Thug Motivation - Jeezy hit the scene, he changed the whole vibe of rap music. Everybody started trappin after this album hit.

Kanye West - College Dropout - Kanye was just so unique with his subject matter and the production was crazy.

Jamie Foxx - Unpredictable - He made everybody forget that he was a comedian.

Anthony Hamilton - Coming From Where I'm From - He had such a unique sound and his music embodied so many different influences.

50 Cent - Get Rich or Die Tryin - 50 came in the game and took over. From beginning to end this is a classic album.

Got The Internet Going Nuts
12:00PM ET December 29, 2009
Contributor: Branden J. Peters
A Rocky Williform Company

With the decade rapidly coming to a close, HHB reached out to a few hip hop figures to see what music moved them most in the 2000's. The only criteria is the album had to be released from 2000-2009.

The People's Champ Paul Wall's list appears in no particular order. There are some expected selections (Paul and Chamillionaire's debut for instance) and a couple that will have you doing some research. Paul definitely knows his music and as you will see from the list he is Texas to the bone.

Paul Wall & Chamillionaire Get Ya Mind Correct
This was me and Koopa's 1st album. We really showed our skillz to our critics, our fans, and ourselves. This put us in the record books

T.I. Trap Music
So many hits on this album. With A-list features and production Tip really held it down on one of my favorite albums of all time

Z-ro Cracc
Man Z-ro is so underrated. This was our theme music for the entire year of 2008. The album was just like the title- CRACK

The Jacka Tear Gas
As an underground icon in the Bay, this album was highly anticipated and definitely worth the wait. Straight gangsta music.

Eminem The Marshall Mathers LP
It sold 1.76 million copies the 1st week with hits like "Stan" and "The Real Slim Shady". The production was incredible, and the lyrics were unbeatable. Em is one of the greatest to ever touch the M.I.C.

Lil Wayne Tha Carter
Go DJ was one of my favorite songs to play when I used to DJ at the clubs in Houston and Dallas. And when I heard "I Miss My Dawgs" it made me go back and buy all of the Hot Boys CD's all over again.

Young Jeezy "Thug Motivation 101"
Everybody in every hood in America knew 100% of all the lyrics on this album. "Standing Ovation", "My Hood", "Trap Star" and Snowman even had Jay-Z with him making the "dope boyz go crazy". 19 tracks of fire, without a doubt the best album of the decade

Jay-Z The Blueprint
My favorite Jay-Z album ever. I love "Song Cry", "Heart of The City", and "Renedade" with Eminem. The Production was game changing, with Kanye West, Just Blaze, Timbaland, and Bink. This was a great album.

Kanye West Late Registration
I love K-Dub's ode to boppers "Gold Digger" and "Drive Slow" was already a jam before I was on there (Editors Note: Wall appeared on the official remix to the song). "Diamonds from Sierra Leone" changed a lot of people's perspective on blood diamonds and shed a lot of light on the conflict.

The Game The Documentary
The Game came with it on here. "How We Do" was a serious club banger. "Hate It Or Love It" was another one that features my favorite 50cent verse of all time. "Dreams" was another one that stayed on repeat.

Crew Love
03:00PM ET December 23, 2009
Contributor: Mathis Bauchner
A Rocky Williform Company

It is truly rare for someone to possess enough cultural influence to make those around them famous. We're talking presidential fame. But if any hip hop artist, perhaps any artist period could do it, it would be Lil' Wayne.

Over the past few years, as he's risen from Hollygrove's finest to mainstream icon, Weezy's signing a plethora of artists to his Young Money label, mostly notably Drake, raps latest superstar. The YM umburella includes the veteran Jae Millz, from Harlem, Compton-native Tyga, Nicki Minaj, and the label's current president Mack Maine among others. With the introductory album, We Are Young Money, the crew attempts to introduce and in some cases reintroduce themselves to the world.

Unfortunately, with the exception of Drake, none are nearly as talented or as interesting as Wayne himself, but they do have a lot of sex. Starting with the hit single "Every Girl," the escapades of Weezy's boys take over the album thematically. To quick summarize: "Every Girl" is about fucking, well, every girl. The next track, "Ms. Parker," is about fucking Ms. Parker from the movie "Friday." Following that is "Wife Beater," which is about fucking one girl all day long. These songs have there moments. Mack Maine's line from "Every Girl, "In about three years holla at me Miley Cyrus," is brilliant, but overall they overdo it.

The rapping from everyone, excluding Drake, is mediocre, and Drizzy himself doesn't appear nearly often enough. He's on only 5 of 15 tracks, most notably "Pass The Dutch," which is a bit less sex-crazed than the rest of the album. The song features recent Young Money signee Short Dawg, and on his one appearance on the album he makes an impression. He's got a ton of swag and his verse is packed with enough witty metaphors and similes to make any Weezy aficionado proud.

Every Young Money artist, more or less, has adopted Lil' Wayne's taste for comparison-overkill. But while Weezy can giggle his way through verses likening himself to anything from a Martian to a cat, his costars stumble awkwardly with their wordplay. Hearing Mack Maine rhyme "parker," with "parka," with "park...UH" is painful.

But the production is solid, with two standout tracks from Chase N. Cashe, "Pass The Dutch" and "New Shit." The biggest name producer is David Banner, who turns in a wild horn-filled beat for "Streets Is Watchin,'" an otherwise pretty pedestrian track.

The biggest problem with the album is Young Money's lack of any feasible chemistry. Weezy appears on every track, providing the choruses for most, and his crewmembers pop in for verses. They attempt to standout as individuals, but their routine lyrics just end up blending together. If nothing else, the album reaffirms Drake's standout ability and Wayne's creative insanity. The rest of the squad has their moments, but they've got a lot of catching up to do.

Till The Casket Drops
09:00PM ET December 8, 2009
Contributor: Mathis Bauchner
A Rocky Williform Company

Old Dog, Old Tricks
09:00PM ET December 8, 2009
Contributor: SLM
A Rocky Williform Company

Rating:

Back Again
12:00PM ET December 4, 2009
Contributor: SLM
A Rocky Williform Company

Rating:

There is plenty one could say about R. Kelly, but in between the blurred line of fact and unproven fact, one statement is generally accepted by all: The man has an uncanny ability to create hit songs. With the scandalous allegations of sex with a minor levied against him , and a now infamous video being circulated throughout the world, the Chicago crooner has managed to come out almost completely unscathed. In fact after being exonerated of all charges, with the release of Untitled, Kellz didn't even bother to shy away from the bedroom lyrics that made him famous, but instead set out on a mission to recreate his sex-fueled solo debut album, 12 Play.

The album starts out with, "Crazy Night" featuring Rock City, a Ron Browz sounding track fully equipped with auto-tune and a dance beat. While your love of the song is dependent on your auto-tune tolerance level, Rock City does a great job, per the norm and makes this track worth a listen. "Echo" is your average bedroom song, but add a yodeling Kellz to the chorus, and suddenly you're singing along anyway. "Be My #2", arguably the best track the album offers, is a funky disco track that will create a war between your feet and your conscious. While ladies may not become inspired to jig at the proposition of filling the side-piece role, the production on this track might win you over enough to forget about the lyrics.

Not all of the sex metaphors are catchy though, and some are just a little too much. A perfect example is "Go Low", where Kellz sings about soppin' up his lady with some biscuits. The biggest let-downs come in form of songs that sound too reminiscent of tracks from other R&B artists. On the T-Pain inspired, "I Love the DJ", R sings over a light dance tune about his love for a certain female DJ, and it's completely unconvincing. Another example is "Text Me", which sounds like an uninspired reworking of Trey Songz' "LOL".

Overall, Kelly's consistency works for him and against him on this album. When he gets it right, he really nails it, and when he half-steps, it's a total miss. Creating 10 albums of sex put to song, his music is drowning redundancy and yet still worth the money.

Will It Keep Your Attention
12:00PM ET December 3, 2009
Contributor: Nadine Graham
A Rocky Williform Company

Rating:

The Medicine Man
03:00PM ET November 20, 2009
Contributor: Nadine Graham
A Rocky Williform Company

Everyone's had that one friend that's always been cool, confident and unaffected by limitations. Upon meeting 23-year-old Pill, you realize that he's that guy. The Atlanta emcee is wise cracking and quick-witted, both in the booth and in regular conversation. Pill, born Tyrone Rivers, wrote his first rap in kindergarten and he can still recite the bulk of the song. He left rap alone for a while after that; it wasn't until high school, at the urging of his four older siblings where he picked it up again and committed to it. After learning under the tutelage of Grind Time Rap Gang leader Mike Bigga (formerly Killer Mike) he decided to go it alone and spread his wings as a solo artist.

In early 2009, Pill released 4180: The Prescription. It's currently one of the years most applauded mixtapes. The CD was quite a bold statement from an artist who, less than a year ago, was completely under the radar. He recently released the follow up 4075 The Refill amid monstrous buzz. Tyrone "Pill" Rivers offers no gimmicky ad libs and no sense of entitlement- but wearing his heart on his sleeve, he gives us a gruff delivery, a multi-faceted flow and a substantial sense of self. Just what the doctor ordered.

How long have you been rhyming?
Since kindergarten. I wrote my rap then, but I didn't start taking it seriously until I was in high school. I was recording in the studio in the 3rd grade. My homeboy Big Fred had an uncle who had a studio named Alphabet when I was staying in Adamsville. I used to go in there and spit. They'd record me and put me on tapes and all types of shit around the neighborhood. All my life, I was always rapping but I never embraced it on my own.

When did you embrace it?
When people started to say, 'Man, you need to do this shit for real. You need to take it serious,' I always felt like I was nice but I just didn't think I could actually go somewhere with it. I always wrote and a lot of times I'd freestyle around the cafeteria and riding to football games, when I played football. I'd played sports my whole life. That was my love: sports and music and I ain't that big as you can see, so I was like, "Well, uh... I might as well pick this pen back up. It don't look like I'll be getting no D-1 offer."

What was the turning point?
I was in this group in high school called Low Key. Then I started fucking with Killer [Mike], from my teenage years up until a year or two ago. I was feeling like I should do it on my own because I wasn't really seeing the type of recognition that I would've liked. I felt like I had something to bring to the game as a solo artist. I was always "featured on" and "seen on". It was a blessing for him to fuck with me in itself, it was my introduction to the industry. But when I dropped The Prescription at the top of this year, I was like Damn! I was just doing this for niggas in the hood where I was trappin'. Like, when I did "Trap Goin' Ham" and took it back to the hood. They were like, "Yeah, Psych [neighborhood nickname] you reppin'! When your tape coming out?" We'd see people on TV and they'd say, 'How you gon' let these niggas make it before you? When you gon' get on?' That was like fuel to the fire. Then I had my brothers and my sister in my ear telling me that I need to do my own shit man, telling me I got a testimony. That's when I made The Prescription- my first solo effort.

Now you've got people from all over saying "ham".
We been saying 'ham'. I ain't make that shit up, I just brought it to the forefront [laughs]. I had no idea that track was gonna be that big. I just made it for my partners in the neighborhood. The first time I did "Trap Goin' Ham", I went straight from the studio to a club called The Ham, in the Fourth Ward. I got the DJ to spin it and folks liked it, they played it in the hood, played it in the trap... Folks were like, "This shit is jammin'," then came the mixtape. I had "Trap Goin' Ham" before I even had the mixtape. That's when I said, "Okay, maybe I need to go and finish up this mixtape." I'd been telling everybody that I had a mixtape coming, and they said, 'Man, you bullshitting.' So I was like, ""Let me go on and get it together. So I went and did and people wanted the video. I went and did the visual and people responded well to it. I didn't have any idea that it would be what it's become and it's still growing. I said, "Oh shit, I just did this to kick it to the hood." It grew legs, totally unexpected. I can't lie and be like, "Yeah, I made it. I'm finna do my thing with this one. I'm finna kill these folk with this one." Nah it wasn't like that. I just did it and that was the result of it. It was a blessing but I had no idea it was gonna be that way.

Where are you from exactly? And do you feel that your hometown comes out in your music?
I'm from the Fourth Ward, Adamsville, all over the West Side. I went to two different elementary school, two different middle schools and I graduated from Doug [Fredrick Douglas] High School. I've moved around a lot since I was a child. My [upbringing] just comes out, I can't not speak on it. It ain't like I go in there, "Let me make sure I represent this or that," I'm one of the few cats that is from the area that I say I'm from. There's no question about credibility.

Heard anything back from Gucci or Jeezy about joining you on the "Trap Goin' Ham" remix?
Nah, I wish it did happen because those are the two niggas that could speak on that shit perfectly and on that tempo. Although I know they don't fuck with each other like that... I would love to get either one of them really, but both would be perfect. Y'all know that shit ain't gon' happen. [laughs] That would be a dream for that to happen. I fuck with both of them. Both of their music is dope. I can't side with nobody cause they both have something different to bring to the game, when it comes to the trap shit because they're visionaries, they've lived it. So what's better than someone else to be on there that lived it and could actually be speaking the truth on it. I can't think of two other artists right now that can do it like they can- from the city.

Let's talk about the Nah Right show that happened in NYC recently. A lot of Southern Hip Hop heads felt that New Yorkers were out of line for booing OJ Da Juiceman, and that reaction stemmed from some sort of regional resentment. You were on stage before OJ though, and your set was praised. Were you surprised by how you'd been received?
I was very surprised. I didn't know how they were going to receive me. Every time I do a show, I don't ever know. I just try to make sure I go 100% with all my passion and all my energy and whatever else I have to bring to the table when I get to that stage, I let it all out. I mean, the game is hoping and wishing. You make the music and you hope people like it and when you perform, you hope people like it and you wish to make some money off it [laughs]. That's all it is and to see him go through that, it was like "Damn".

What was your first thought when you heard about it?
I had another show, so I wasn't there. After my set, I stayed for a few minutes, then I left for the Fool's Gold show, because they wanted me to perform. So I went to that, jumped on stage, then I got the call like, "OJ got booed." I was like, "Quit bullshitting." I thought they was joking. I was like, "Quit playing man; that man ain't get booed." It was kinda crazy though, because the reception I got... I was at a loss for words, I didn't know what to think. I feel bad for OJ in a sense when it comes to that because you know, he probably thought he was doing his thing and to get that kind of reception, it fucks up your confidence a little bit. Of course, he's home team and you don't wanna see anyone from the home team get booed or nothing like that. But I think that it was a different crowd. I think they wanted to just hear more lyrics... Not to step on anyone's toes or nothing because OJ has a great fanbase, once again and he's doing his thing but when you've got Raekwon, Jadakiss [on the bill]- you got all these muhfuckers spittin' and they gon' be hyped up to hear that, somebody that's more lyrical.

Andre 3000 thinks you're pretty lyrical, right?
Man! Just for him to like my shit, compliment it, recite my lines from the tape... It was surreal. He's like one of my favorite emcees of all time and for him to even give a damn that meant a lot. When I heard, I was like "Hold on now- what'd you say?" [laughs] I didn't think he'd ever even listen to the tape, I didn't think he'd hit me up or nothing. We randomly bumped into each other, I gave him the tape and my number and asked him to let me know if he liked it or not. Next thing you know he hit me up, I was like , "Who is this?" He was like, "3000", I said, "Who is this playing on my phone?" [laughs] He told me, "That mixtape is jammin'" I was like "What? I can't believe that. Okay, maybe I do know how to rap a lil' bit..."

Did 50 Self Destruct?
09:00PM ET November 12, 2009
Contributor: Eddie "Spotlight" Yancey, III
A Rocky Williform Company

Rating:

Actor, author, product endorser, video game hero and executive producer 50 Cent definitely is the ultimate entrepreneur. From starting off as a drug dealer then becoming a rapper in the late '90's, he rose to fame with his classic 2003 LP Get Rich or Die Tryin'. Today Fif is one of the richest hip-hop entertainers, bringing in an estimated net worth of $440 million last year.

This newfound "White-Collar 50" is great on the business side of things, but it's not going over so well with his fans that fell in love with the hardcore and brash lyrics that seemed to have diminished since his earlier albums. 50 is out to prove to his doubters that he still has that hood style with his newest joint, Before I Self Destruct, but does the album live up to it's edgy title?

You would figure that Before I Self Destruct, which was exclusively released on iTunes for digital download on November 9, 2009, would be well crafted since it was delayed numerous times and in the making for close to three years. The LP doesn't slack on production, as Polow Da Don, Scott Storch, and colleague Dr. Dre are some of the acclaimed producers who lay their credits down on the CD.

Before I Self Destruct jumps right into that psychotic side Fiddy wanted to portray with the intro track, "The Invitation," inviting his haters to "come get some," but only to be left in a bloody pile until the police arrive. Fans, of course, are familiar with the seductive, gold-digger anthem with Ne-Yo "Baby By Me." With “Then Days Went By," 50 nicely rides and sings across the well produced Lab Ox track where the chorus is on some everyday hood chronicles type stuff, as 50 states "I seen niggas getting rich, then days went by, then days went by, then days went by."

Special guest Eminem came with it, like always, on "Psycho" and Fif's first verse was pretty fluid as well. "Think About Me" is definitely a good look, as it shows the more eloquent rap style of Mr. Curtis. "Crime Wave" and "Stretch" are already getting major props by fans as they see a glimpse of the old 50 in the songs. "Get It Hot" is a cool, up-beat future single. In a semi ode to hip-hop classic "Rapper's Delight," fiddy cleverly incorporates his clip-pop concept with "Gangsta's Delight." The boastful, Dre produced "Ok, You're Right" booms nicely with its thunderous, yet simplistic, bass pounds. The lighthearted "Could've Been You" with R. Kelly discusses the frustrations of a chick that could have been living the good life. Two of the album's best tracks may be on the iTunes deluxe edition with "Flight 187" and "Man's World."

There are some lackluster joints on the album. The Dre produced "Death to My Enemies" is a track that could easily be skipped. He takes shots at his baby moms, The Game, and Young Buck on the minimal effective "So Disrespectful." "Hold Me Down" is an underachieving attempt at a love song with his strap (Pac, Nas and C-Bo have covered this territory already). "I Got Swag" basically discusses 50's riches and encounters with women.

At the end of the day, Before I Self Destruct is a solid album from 50. He's up to his usual antics, discussing women, drugs, and violence to go along with a lot of arrogance and cockiness that made him the beloved figure he is today. Fif described his two personas perfectly in "Strong Enough" when he said, "I'm pretty like a Harlem nigga / I'm a shooter like a Brooklyn nigga." When 50 Cent actually has a minute and sets aside some legit time to put together an album, the results are pretty credible. The physical CD will be in retail stores on Monday, November 16, 2009.

From Konvict To CEO
03:00PM ET November 11, 2009
Contributor: Nadine Graham
A Rocky Williform Company

Though Bu Thiam has quietly made a name for himself in the music business he's still mistaken for his older sibling, R&B superstar Akon on a regular basis. On the contrary Bu has been building his reputation based on his own hard work since the beginnings of Konvict Musik. As the co-CEO of all Konvict entities, Thiam carries the bulk of the responsibility for the movement of the labels: Konvict Musik, KonLive Distribution, and now, BuVision. He's a well-known figure in the Atlanta music wave, with nods from Young Jeezy and T.I. That is until LA Reid (Def Jam chairman and CEO) saw something larger in him and his track record. In addition to his duties with the Konvict umbrella, Bu was also a trusted consultant for Def Jam. That is before head honcho LA Reid saw something more and offered Bu the opportunity of his life.

Let's get an official response to the rumors that are circulating on the streets. What exactly is your new title up there at Def Jam?
Sure. I have just been named Senior Vice President of Island Def Jam by LA Reid.

And what does that position signify for your career, besides the obvious?
It means a lot for my career. It's a new, opened door for me that'll bring opportunities for my peers, my writers, and producers, just everybody. You know what I mean?

You've made a prominent name for yourself out in Atlanta. What will your Senior VP status do for the city? You have to move up north don't you?
Well, I'll be up there. But I'll still be down here in the streets too. And as for the city, I'll be able to bring acts from Atlanta and bring a whole other view into the building, because I already feel like the people that... There are a bunch of older heads that don't really understand our music and our culture so I'm thankful for the opportunity to bring that energy into the building.

How did the promotion go down?
Well, basically, LA Reid just came to me. He saw that I signed T-Pain; he saw that I had something to do with Lady Gaga. I asked him: "What goals are you trying to accomplish right now?" He was like: 'I want to break new acts.' He said that he had decided that he loved my energy and what I'm doing. Shortly after that, he came to me with the Senior VP position.

Things can get tricky with you at Def Jam and Konvict under the Universal umbrella, can't they?
Well, we have a special contract with Jive. We have Konvict Entertainment with Universal, which is Akon. We have KonLive which is a four to five label deal with Interscope. KonLive is Kardinal Offishall, Lady Gaga, Colby O'Donis and people like that. But Def Jam will absolutely take us in the direction that we need to go.

What direction is that?
It'll give me the opportunity to understand the music industry fully. I've been independent all my life. I've never really worked for nobody. I feel like this is my opportunity to learn the corporate world and I feel like once I get the corporate world and the opportunities that come with it, I'll be a force to be reckoned with in this industry.

And your work load has obviously increased right?
Oh yeah, but my responsibilities are still to bring new ideas to the table. Like, it was my idea to put Jeezy with Rihanna on that 'So Hard'. I had a lot to do with her album. Like, my responsibilities are a lot, but none of it is anything I haven't done before. I'll just take it all on head first.

Tell us a bit about your fledging label, BuVision.
BuVision is a joint venture with Def Jam. We've got a lot of different type artists on there. Bree D'Val, Sean Teezy, Prynce, Rachel Assil and Tami Chynn, who's kind of on the reggae tip but she's singing. They're all dope.

What does an artist need to have to catch your eye?
You've got to have originality, charisma, superstar quality, and confidence. You've really got to want to change the world with your music.

Are you going to use that same method to choose artists for Def Jam?
I'm never gonna change how I choose an artist because it works for me. A lot of A&Rs and executives in this game, when they look for an artist, they look for a particular face, a particular name... I want something special, something wild. Like Lady Gaga is wild and different. I don't want to do the same thing everybody else is doing.

Lebron In L.A.
12:00PM ET November 6, 2009
Contributor : Eddie "Spotlight" Yancey, III
A Rocky Williform Company

Basketball fans remember last years basketball games at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing very well. That team brought the U.S. basketball legacy back to credibility. The squad was loaded with some of the best NBA ballers, including LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, the two best players in the game according to many. The players on Team USA had a great time playing with one another, with one of the main reasons being that none of them have that luxury of playing alongside numerous all stars during the NBA regular season.

With the epic free agency class of the summer of 2010, many general managers are hoping to rekindle some of those newfound bonds with the 2008 Summer Olympic squad. Recently on ESPN's First Take, the sports journalists discussed an interesting revelation recently made by Bulls.com writer Sam Smith. Smith feels that LeBron won't go to the Knicks because he would be backtracking in his career and that if he teamed up with Kobe, he could play Mr. Bryant's sidekick until he gets a little older and the roles would therefore reverse. Smith also talks of how the Cavs would have to do a sign-and-trade to the Lakers so that they won't be letting James walk away without getting anything in return.

"The King" and "The Black Mamba" would undoubtedly be one of, if not the, best 1-2 punch in the history of the NBA. Just imagine having two of the best players in NBA history on the wing wearing purple and gold. That would be a remarkable sight to see. Sam Smith also makes a good point about how LeBron could also promote his movies and books heavily in L.A. as well (Lebron's movie, More Than a Game is currently in theatres), being that it is home of the stars. Unfortunately though, there is a little thing called the salary cap in the NBA and it would be quite hard for the Lakers to be able to pass enough dough around to both of these megastars without having to pay the dreaded luxury tax (something the Knicks are all too familiar with). It's also very unlikely that the Cavs would just trade away their hometown "golden child" like that. So whether it's the Cavs, Knicks, Nets, Lakers, Clippers, or whoever is on the radar of "King" James', they most definitely are going to have to pay him what he wants.

Trina Returns
09:00PM ET October 23, 2009
Contributor: Nadine Graham
A Rocky Williform Company

Katrina Taylor has claimed to be the "baddest bitch" since the start of the millennium, nowadays; she's still bad and still relevant. She's an important part of southern rap history being one of the first female rappers hailing from Miami and one of the few left in the game. HHB had the chance to catch up with the Diamond Princess and talk about what it's like to be in charge of other artists, her projects since her last album, and what fans can expect from her newest offering, Amazin'.

What've you been doing since 2008's Still da Baddest?
I just finished recording an album which is out in stores March 30, 2010. I have a lot of artists on the album: my artists, Pretty Money, Ludacris, Nicki Minaj, Lyfe Jennings, Soulja Boy, Rick Ross, Keri Hilson. I actually just started filming a movie to put out too! I'm really excited about that! It was really quick but it was so much fun! I'm also working on a TV show for the end of this year. So I've been having my hands in the pot heavy. Its different being on the studio side as opposed to being on the artist side; working on my own project, and working on the artists' projects- it's a lot.

Are you feeling like it may be too much pressure?
It's not too much pressure. It's great! I've actually learned so much. I get it now: how I drove the label crazy, my artists are driving me crazy! I see it now! [laughs]

What can fans expect from Amazin'?
Wow, it's amazing. I spent a lot of time on the album, I picked through the songs carefully. I recorded a lot of songs and I just wanted to have the best 12 songs on the record that reflect Trina in this day and age. Who I am now as a woman, where I've evolved to. Not from Da Baddest Chick album. Not from 'Nann Nigga'. No. From who I am right now because I'm a woman, I'm not nineteen years old. I'm mature; I know what it's like to be in love, out of love, to be happy. I know what it's like to be a businesswoman. I know what it's like to be so many different things now as opposed to when I first came out. To me, it's really important for the fans to understand and appreciate that.

Big Boi Talks Solo Album
09:00ET PM October 15, 2009
Contributor: Nadine Graham
A Rocky Williform Company

It seems like everyone wants Big Boi to admit that he and Andre 3000 are no longer a group. He just won't do it though. Big Boi, born Antwan André Patton, can't do it, neither can 3000. The duo has been OutKast since they were both teenagers. The brand is more than a label to them, it's genuinely who they are. But that's not to say that they can't grow within the OutKast name. Based on that line of reasoning, Big Boi has completed a body of work that he's calling a "musical nuclear bomb". Sir Luscious Left Foot: the Son of Chico Dusty will help most fans understand that OutKast isn't growing apart- they're growing up. The LP has the same thumping beats and spitfire lyrics as some of the group's earlier work, while maintaining originality on every track. Not to mention, Dre 3000 is featured on the album more than once. OutKast is still standing, Big just wants you to forget the rumors and say hello to The Son of Chico Dusty.

What does Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty signify within your career?
Basically, it signifies that funk is alive. I know a lot of people have been saying... There've been a lot of things said about 'this' going on and 'that' going on but it's still Dungeon Family for life and OutKast is a group. As one half of the group, I'm just doing my part. The first solo album was SpeakerBoxx, but a lot of people... You know because it was packaged together, they were still confused about what niggas round here do. So this time we put them separately so they know what time it is.

How did you manage to achieve the essence of OutKast although this is a solo album?
I'm part of the group, you know, we both built it, we both love the group and neither of us is bigger than the group. At the same time, everything the group's done we've been there every step of the way, so all of that is in us. We both like to hear new grooves, new melodies, we never like to sound the same on every song. We're just straight lyrical assassins and I think some niggas forgot. Oh well [shrugs].

What made you gravitate towards putting a couple of new artists on the album?
I reached out to guys like B.O.B. and Gucci Mane, the newer guys because I've listened to their music, you know what I'm saying? Those are two guys that I like. I know, I hear I lot of not so good things about Gucci Mane sometimes, but people just don't understand that a real nigga's gonna be a real nigga all day, you know? Sometimes it's not about being the best emcee in the world but if you've got talent, sense of self and confidence it comes through in the music and that's why I did songs with him. B.O.B. is a talented brother as well. I met him a couple years back, he came to the studio, and I hung out with him a couple of times. I was just digging what he was doing. I heard a lot of his music and got him in as well.

How did you connect with Grand Hustle while doing this project?
I was already doing the album before I got on with Grand Hustle. I got with them because I was sort of in a management bind with Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere that run Flavor Unit Management. They were handling both my film and my music careers, I wanted to split it up some and I was thinking, "Who is the dopest manager out here now?" I always see him out in the streets and in the veins doing his thing- Jason Geter. I always saw him and asked him if he wanted to come and be on the management team and Shakim gave his blessing. We brought Jason in and we've been running with it ever since. It's been a good collaboration.

Are you still acting?
Yeah. I'm still doing acting as soon as I put the album out, I've got a gang of scripts at the house, and I'm looking at a lot of TV shows, movies and things like that. I've got about two to three more records that I want to record before I go straight into film but there will be more movie projects.

What do you want fans to get from Chico Dusty?
People been wondering what's been going on with me and Dre and the Kast for the past couple of years, you ain't heard us... This is my life capsule. Just check it out. Enjoy.

Back For The First Time
09:00PM ET October 14, 2009
Contributor: Nadine Graham
A Rocky Williform Company

It's been a minute since the West Coast produced an artist that had the streets talking and the spirit of gritty hip hop stirring. Within the past year, Nipsey Hussle has gained national recognition as being the artist to revive the West Coast.

Nipsey may be new to the world but his demeanor is very reminiscent of Snoop Dogg back in the early to mid-1990s: always calm, almost seeming sedated, walking with an easy stride, speaking in a L.A. accent with tinges of Mississippi mixed in. But Nipsey is an original. Representing Los Angeles' infamous Rolling 60's Crip gang Nipsey is the next rapper up, speaking on behalf of South Central LA, and HHB had the opportunity to talk with him about his style, his influences, and teaming up with fellow newcomer Drake.

Is your debut album finished?
I'm constantly working on my project. We were going to put it out at the end of this year but we made a decision to keep working on the records. We have a lot of big producers we're getting in with that could make the project so much bigger. We've got a lot of music to keep the fans interested until the first quarter of 2010. We're damn near done with it but I'm working everyday. I'm going all the way down to the wire.

How did 'Killers' come about?
Shout out to Drake! That was a record that just kind of happened. We just met up; he said "I'm a big fan of your shit." I said, "Likewise. We should get in and work." Then, I just sent that shit over with the verse on it, he sent it back and told me, "Do the hook." I was like, "Nah, you do the hook my nigga. You know, that's what you do. Run that shit." [smiles] Cuz knocked the shit out and it came out classic.

Name some influences.
I've got a lot of influences; a lot of new cats are some of my influences too. Obviously, Jay-Z, Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and just hip hop in general. Like, all the classic hip hop artists, I'm influenced by all of them. Jeezy, Plies, everybody that's doing it right now. The whole new wave of niggas doing their shit.

What do you say to the idea of "trying to bring the West Coast back"? Do you even believe in that statement?
We're always doing what we do, you know? We're not as prominent as we were at one time as far as our presence in hip hop but the generations are changing. Everything becomes new again, so it's a new focus on California, LA and the West Coast in general. It's a new generation being creative in doing what they do and coming out different. It's still LA, it's still Cali, but it's coming out different so I think the fans are excited about the change.

What can we expect from the album?
I mean, just get my perspective you know? What I consider to be my reality as sincere as I can put it. That's everybody that comes from similar circumstances that can relate to the struggle. My whole goal of the project is 'mind over matter. Anything is possible if you just stay down. That's what I want to get across with my whole story. That's what it is.