Daily Throwback: Jay Z - Girls, Girls, Girls

The Shuffle God wishes everyone a happy new year by giving you all the gift of Hov. This gem was a stand out on Jay's legendary The Blueprint album. I loved this album and this song. I remember not having a job and being broke at the time the album was released (September 11th, 2001...the album Bin Laden couldn't stop) and contemplating just running up in Wal-Mart and strong arming a copy. Now that's a fan.

The only thing that disappointed me about this song was that Biz Markie, Slick Rick, and Q-Tip were all featured on the hook, so I always envisioned a remix with them all having verses that never happened. Wishful thinking I guess. The song is still great. Till this day, I will still blurt out "Jigga man, why you treat me like animuhl?" for no particular reason. You're welcome.

JP's Top 20 Songs of 2013

2013 is coming to a close, so what better time to force my opinions upon the masses. I mean, c'mon, who doesn't love a year end list? I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for them. Since I have access to Wi-Fi, a laptop, and a barely read blog, I thought why not make my own.

My goal is to hit you guys with at least ONE different list a week, along with whatever the other dead beats that sometimes write for the blog decide to contribute. Between the new puppy and the craziness of the holidays, we'll see how that goes.

The first list is my top 20 songs of 2013.  You might recognize some of these from being featured in some way on the blog, others are new to the audience. Either way, you're welcome.

Daily Throwback: Eminem - The Way I Am

Looks like the Shuffle God wanted to prove a point with this one. With all this talk surrounding Marshall's current release, The Marshall Mathers LP 2, I have to fully disagree that it marks a return to his earlier form. Don't get me wrong, musically, it is a solid album, but there is no way it matches the emotional firepower of its' predecessor.

I hate it when rappers make a sequel of classic album and expect us as fans that it is an equal extension of the previous work of art. None of Jay Z's Blueprints came close to the original. Nas' Stillmatic was better than the three weed plates he released prior, but it wasn't even close to the lyrical greatness that was Illmatic. And don't get me started on Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2...just don't.

Eminem is pushing 40, he's been successful for a while now, so there is no way we can expect him to recapture that hunger he possessed in his earlier days. MMLP2 has a lot of solid songs, but The Way I Am shits on all of them. Raw emotion. Eminem literally provided his fans with a window looking into his deepest thoughts.

This is one on Mr. Mathers realest tracks, and probably the first one that I truly connected with as a fan. I too am an asshole, so when Eminem said "I don't mean to be mean, but that's all I can be is just me" I totally related.  Bottom line, if you aren't fond of my asshole tendencies, don't exhibit the behavior of a dumb-ass. This wasn't a life choice, Em and I were born this way (no Lady Gaga...is that still cool, the contradictory "no" statement?...ah well). You're welcome.

Daily Throwback: Ruff Ryders - Scenario 2000

The Shuffle God is ruthless for this one! This posse cut had me going bonkers when it dropped. It was featured on Eve's 1999 debut album, Let There Be Eve: The Ruff Ryders' First Lady. That's how dope it was, it made me buy Eve's album...yes people, I once spent money on an E-V-E album. This song was originally supposed to be a remix of Jay Z's summer anthem from that year, Jigga, My N*gga, which was produced by the Ruff Ryders' very own Swizz Beats, but I guess Hov was late to the studio that day to record his verse. The song was still the definition of fire, and made my 1987 Chevy Barreta feel like it was a fully loaded Hummer when this song exploded through the speakers. You got something to get off your chest? Listen to this, and all the weight will be lifted. You're welcome.

Daily Throwback: Jay Z ft. UGK - Big Pimpin'

I'm thinking the Shuffle God might be saying he's down to party tonight with this selection. This classic reminds me of nothing but good nights.This song once brought my man Tito back from the dead (I won't go into any details, Tito is a family man and a small business owner nowadays). Ahhh...the good ol' days. Oh, what I would give for one more summer of no responsibilities and bad decisions. Reminisce with me. Wait, don't forget about the video. Two words: 1) Gloria 2) Velez. You're welcome

Live Stream: Jay Z & Budweiser's Made In America Music Festival

It's official! Jay-Z can do no wrong.

Today is the first day of the 2nd annual Budweiser sponsored Made In America Music Festival that Mr. Carter spear-headed. Philadelphia serves as the setting for this melting pot of musical tastes. This year Hov has a line up that makes Lollapalooza look like a high school talent show.

Not only is the 2 day weekend extravaganza being headlined by Beyonce & Nine Inch Nails, but it boasts a line-up that features Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Miguel, Kendrick Lamar, Calvin Harris and a ton of other very musically inclined individuals and groups.

Public Enemy is there dammit!!!

For those not lucky enough to make it to Philly for the weekend, here is the live stream for the event. This is a stream from the Rocky & Liberty stages. For streams of the Skate and Freedom stages, click the link up above. If you close your eyes, you almost feel like you're in a mile-long line for the porta-potty. You're welcome.

The A.D.D. Report: Volume 1

J. Powell, you nice but I'm here to make your audience not wanna read another noun or verb from you. That's a Kendrick Lamar joke for those who didn't get it.

I'm River. You may remember me from such blogs as the ONLY ONE I have on this site. I can't even remember the name of it because its been so long.

Every writer has that way of writing which is unique to them. I will be known for my A.D.D. style and randomness. This blog will cover a little bit of everything. So without any further ado...

Daily Throwback: Talib Kweli ft. Mos Def, Jay Z, Busta Rhymes, & Kanye West - Get By (Remix)

Since it is Sunday morning, it looks like the Shuffle God decided to hit us with a little bit of inspiration. This song was bananas, it almost made me "quit smokin' and quit drinkin'"...almost. The line-up to this remix is bonkers! We got five very legendary, very distinct, and very diverse sounds homogenizing on a beautiful Nina Simone sample. Coach K and Team USA couldn't give you a better starting 5. You're welcome.

 

Trailer: Jay Z - "Picasso Baby-A Performance Art Film" (HBO Special)

Hov continues to expand his commercial appeal. He might be getting more popular than his wife, if that's even possible. I'm just glad I was down from the beginning with Hawaiian Sophie and Show & Prove. Tune in on Friday August 2nd @ 11 PM EST to HBO to see Jigga's latest project. You're welcome.