What The Hell is Wrong with BET!!

Whut it Dew Hip-Hop fans!?! Your favorite black sheep political misfit(Huey Freeman holla back!) is back and I'm here to give you a piece of my mind again. I know I had more album reviews coming for you good people, but today is all about getting something off my mind that has been on it for a few years now.

Okay know that this is a blog dedicated to Hip-Hop, I know most of the people that read this have watched BET at some point in their lives. Being as much as a Hip-Hop fan as I am I only watched BET for one reason....Rap City. Now I was not big into music when the show first started, but I came along when the Rap City: Tha Basement era started and I was a big fan of the show. I fell in love with the booth, where visiting rappers/MCs would freestyle over some of the best beats. To top it off Big Tigga(the host during this era)would get in the booth with them and freestyle his butt off! The show had such a great theme, it was filmed in Mama Tigga's basement and was covered in Hip-Hop posters from all eras, there was a space for the DJ, and a bathroom/booth next to the DJ setup. Everything was going great until BET got the bright idea to reformat their most popular show.

This is where the show started going down hill. The show being redone was mostly due to the fact that Tigga was not happy with BET towards the end of the show. So when Tigga left(which I was not to happy about)the network decided to make changes,by this time Bob Johnson, the founder of BET,had already sold the network to Viacom who all so owns MTV and all its sister stations, Nickelodeon and all its sister stations, an d other television networks. Their solution to this was to drop the basement idea and give the show a more modern look and changing the host. The first host they got was Mad Linx. Linx was cool, but he lacked the charisma that Big Tigga had. In my option he seemed kind of scared to host the show he always sounded read. Well, Linx was later moved to a new show(The Road Show) and was replaced with J-Nicks. J is okay, but yet again Tigga one ups the man by a landslide. By this time the show was still two hours strong, but not for long.

BET then got the brilliant idea to cut the show down an hour making it for me 3-4, instead of 3-5. At this point I was pretty ticked. How in the hell are you goin to cut one of your longest running shows, and one of the most popular down to an hour(this was done to make room for the Road Show). Nice job, I don't hit the crib until three in the afternoon during the school year so that means after I get home unload all my stuff, and sit down to watch it I only have thirty minutes worth of watch time, not even that if you count the fifteen minutes worth of damn commercials. Nice!

Now another show that I watch on and off was 106 and Park. I watched that show from the very beginnning when Free(Sexy) and AJ(Predator)were the host. Even though they pretty much played the same videos everyday, I still watched it for the artists interviews and Freestyle Fridays. Everything was all fine and dandy until that fateful day when Free left.

Well Free, one of my main reasons for watching the show, was gone and they tried to cover it up by sticking AJ on there by himself and saying Free was on vacation (eventhough she was done she still came back every once and a while). By this time word got around that BET was not was not doing Free or AJ right and was not paying them. AJ still stuck in there, but Free was done and fought her way out. Then to every fans surprise a big bomb went off.

AJ finally jumped on board with Free and left the show that they had built together. Put into a tight spot BET had to replace them. Julissa(from the Student Center) was put there to replace Free(which I was not to happy about)and they would get celebs to host along side her, Juelz Santana was on there numerous times. Then came that day when they brought Big Tigga back to fill in for AJ. Tigga was back on a two hour format, but not on the show he would like to be on, but I am pretty sure he is doing it for the paycheck. They are no Free and AJ, but BET said they would do.

So in a span of about maybe one and a half maybe two years BET has torn apart two of their best shows and crazy glued them back together. What the hell is wrong with BET!?! Most of the shows on there are all put together the same way and it is boring. The place that I relied on for Hip-Hop and the celebration of black music has lost th e sharp edge it once had and turned in to a plastic sword prop used in school plays. A warning to the younger generation, don't even start watching BET go straight to MTV2 they are more Hip-Hop now. BET is now a shadow of its former self trying to regain glory like a phoenix from the ashes, but they are more like a fish out of water.

This is my ranting and I am sticking to it and I am not going to change my mind. Also R.I.P Tookie Williams and the Terminator is a B****. I'll have a album review for you later. Holla back.

Bun B

Whut's up good people? This is your boy Xcal here to give you another hot album review. This time around we are going down to Texas and coming back with grillz and candy paint dripping off the frame of our cars. The review we are giving you is from a Texas legend, the true meaning of the word "Trill"...Bun B!

Trill is so so sick it is just a new south classic! Trill opens up with the song "The Inauguration" a presidental themed song naming Bun B the president of the south...T.I. may be the King of the South, but the U.S. stepped away from a monarchial system a long time ago. This track reintroduces Bun-B to everyone...new and old.

The lead single, "Draped Up" is a pure and unfiltered ode to Houston, Texas. Lil Keke(of The Original Screwed Up Click) gives a intro at the beginning of the song that will just knock you out. This song pays homage to everything that is Houston from the slabs(cars) to the grillz. The remix does more of the same bring all of H-Town in on the fun, surprisingly enough, do to all the family feuding in Houston.

"I'm Ballin" is the flossing track on the album. On this track Jazze Pha helps Bun-B talk about the joys of spending money. From sleeping on silk sheets, to choosing what car to drive, to buying out the mall. Not only does Jazze provide the chorus, but the beat as well. This one will leave you wanting to floss with them.

The most promising track on the album is "Get Throwed." This track brings UGK back together, but also picks up Jay-Z, Young Jeezy, and Z-Ro for the ride. The track reminds the listener of the UGK days,but also gets help for the Def Jam Prez, Houston's future, and Def Jam's "Trap Star." The beat is done by Slim Thug's production partner (Mr. Lee) and will easily become a favorite, the dark guitar makes the south fried beat a classic.

Getting help from a whole list of people, ranging from Jay-Z to the Ying Yang Twins, Bun-B's Trill is damn near a classic. When a artist like Bun can get respect from damn near everyone in the industry, you know he is the Trillest around. He even gets my mad respect. Side note,also listen to "The Story" it will explain everything you need to know about UGK.

That is it for now people. Stay tuned I have more album reviews coming. Look out for Juelz Santana, Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Fort Minor, and DangerDoom! That is it I'm out like a light. Check me later. Also,R.I.P Richard Pryor, the funniest man dead or alive!!!!

GGGGGG-Unit!!!!!

Whut It Dew? This is the one and only DJ Xcal back to give you a piece of my mind once again. I know that you guys want to hurt me because of my over sarcastic views of hip-hop, but I don't care! Today's topic the new G-Unit. With the release of Get Rich or Die Tryin' the movie and soundtrack and the release of 50's game Bulletproof, November is G-Unit month.

Now within a span of about two years from 50's first album in 2003 to 2005 he has been slowly building up G-Unit. The first mission at was to put out a G-Unit album, Beg For Mercy, to introduce Young Buck (who at this time was picking up the slack while Tony Yayo was in prison) give people a taste of Lloyd Banks and hear more from 50 Cent. Next, the mission was to show that all the G-Unit soldiers could stand on their own two. Solo projects from Lloyd Banks (The Hunger For More) and Young Buck (Straight Outta Ca$hville) showed that 50's two soldiers were just as able bodied as he was at expanding the brand and making people want more. And give the people more is what 5-0 did. During the time of Buck's and Banks' solo albums, 50 expanded the brand by signing a shoe deal with Reebok and starting a clothes line in association with Ecko. From there The Game was next up, being one of the two new west coast artist on the label (Spider Loc is the other), this showed that 50 could expand his G-Unit empire...with a little help from Dr. Dre. Game's album did well, but so after he was kicked out of the Unit for not being a true soldier and riding for the whole team; after this Game went straight Aftermath( Dr.Dre's record label). Soon after 50's second album, The Massacre, was released and like the first sold very well. Around this time Tony Yayo got out of prison and his album was next to bat. Again, one of 50's soliders proved he could stand on his own two. During this time the G-Unit Army began to grow. Spider Loc, Olivia, Mobb Deep, M.O.P, and "Murda" Ma$e. 50 has also got Lil Scappy as a shared solider through a deal with Lil Jon's BME Recordings and is rumored to have sign B.G. (formally of Cash Money ). Okay history lesson over, time to break down the artists. Everyone put one their protective gear to make sure you are not harmed.

First lets talk about the G-Unit general himself, 50 Cent. Mr Interscope is a hustla. Come on you can not set here and tell me he is not. A successful record label, clothing and shoe deals, an 8 Mile-type movie of his very own, and his own video game. This man is making money! Lots of it! Hey Fif I will join G-Unit right now...all I want is a G-Unit Spinna with blue and black diamonds. As much love as I have for this man this does not escape that fact that his teeth are HUGE! I would feel sorry for Paul Wall if he ever had to make a grill for that man.

Next, Lloyd Banks, Droopy himself. You can not tell me he does not look like Droopy from the old cartoons. He, in my opinion, is one of the better artists on the label. He is one of those silent, but deadly types. I like him, he's Scrappy!

Ah yes Young Buck,the groups own personal Pig Pen; seriously he is. Have you ever notice Buck has a constant cloud of smoke round him. Buck gives G-Unit their southern style, I thought that he fit in from the begining. He did a Nice job of craving a spot for himself. Be warned, stay a good distance away from him, you might get a contact high.

Tony Yayo, is the groups own personal hype man. He yells more than he does? Nobody thats who! He is the only guy you know that went to jail off and on and had millions of dollars in the bank...thanks to 50. I like him he bring a flare all is own. Yayo is one of the oringinal G-Unit O.G.

Now for the only girl of the group...Olivia! Man she is sexy! She brings a soft touch to the Unit, but not too soft. O looks like she can whoop my ass! Come on she lifts weights with 50!

Next, QB's own Mobb Deep! They are G-Unit's own personal hobbits. These guys are small, but big at the same time. I love these guys...Quiet Storm was my joint! Out of the two I like Havoc the most. P is cool, but I like Hav because he is a producer too.I think I started to like them even more when Alchemist was added to the click. Now since joining G-Unit, I really hope these boys blow up.

M.O.P...these boys are like an army of two; very dangerous. I expected to have an album from them when they were with Roc-a-fella, but it never happened because of the Jay-Z and Dame split. Hopefully they will find success with the Unit. I see big thing for them and for M-O-B-B.

Last, but not least "Murda" Ma$e. When the hell did the "Murda" kick back in. What, was he waiting for it to come out since Diddy turned him into a singing dancing clown. So let me get this straight...G-Unit was the catalyst for the "Murda," right? Even the other G-Unit member were surprised by the good ministers actions. He is confused beyond belief

Well I would write on Lil Scrappy, but he is not an official member so I will hold off on that. Also check out the NEW G-Unit in this month's XXL-Love It or Hate Issue.

I'm out like a light. I'm going to kick some butt on Soul Calibur III. One!

Nas' Options

Whut Tha Bizzness Is? Yo, your XLB is back in the house to give you a piece of my ever running mind again. The new topic is everyone's favorite QB big dog N-A-S.

Now if you have not heard by now big hommie Nas is a free agent and looking for a new home. Nas, if any one has been counting has been at Columbia/Sony for the last twelve years. Twelve years is too damn long to be at a record label that barely supports anything you put out! If there is a random chance that you stumble on to this Nas listen to me...LEAVE! You are a talented brother you can get the backing you deserve. Mr. N-A-S has a couple of options and I am going to break them down for you.

Option one is that Nas could go over to Atlantic Records. Now from what I am hearing he has been in talks to move over there. Now here is my personal opinion...DO NOT GO TO ATLANTIC, I repeat, DON'T! I am going to break it down and tell you why.
Atlantic Records has a pretty nice hip-hop squad. The team includes Bump J, Fat Joe, D4L, Fabolous, Elephant Man, Handsome Boy Modeling School, Juvenile, Lil Kim, Little Brother, Lupe Fiasco,Missy Elliott, Nappy Roots, P$C, Paul Wall, Rupee, Saigon, Sean Paul, T.I., Trick Daddy, Trina, Twista, Wayne Wonder, and Webbie.

Now four of these artist are dancehall artist, but are still hip-hop. Here is the thing about Atlantic, as many hip-hop artist as they have, this would not be the best environment for Nas. Most of the artist after a while will not get the backing that they deserve...like Little Brother and Handsome Boy. And from what I hear F-A-B-O-L-O-U-S has already made his way over to Def Jam, meaning he was not very happy at Atlantic. As nice as this roster may seem, it's only okay. Fat Joe's last album did not go over so well, Bump J and Lupe may or may not come out, Juve is just chillin', Nappy Roots fell off the face of the earth, D4L and Webbie just seem like quick money, T.I. is great and will be around for a long minute, but P$C leaves something to be desired, Lil Kim is in prison for a year and a day; so when she comes back who knows if she will have a deal, Missy is sounding like a broken record, Trick is O.G.; he'll make it, Trina is going strong and sexy(Lil Wayne you lucky somma),the four dancehall artist there will always have a fan base, and Twista, if he loses his deal he will probably go to Roc-a-fella. This is a unstable label, Nas will feel like a caged animal.

Option two is Def Jam, I mean just look at who is big boss over there.....Jay-Z! Just a week ago him and Nas officially eat the beef and proved two kings can own New York. Lets break down Def Jam's hip-hop roster.

There is Method Man, Redman, Joe Budden, DMX, Ghostface, LL Cool J, N.O.R.E, Juelz Santana, Slick Rick, Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Shawnna, Freeway, Foxy Brown, Kanye West, Peedi Peedi, Memphis Bleek, Rev Run, Beanie Sigel, the Roots, Teriyaki Boyz, Tru Life, Aztec, Sam Scarfo, and rumors have it Jadakiss, Fabolous, and the Lox, and last, but not least Jay-Z himself. Break down time, Jay-Z, if everyone his been watching him the past few months has been loading his gun sort of speak. Meth and Red are crazy and the best of the best on the label, DMX has auto problems and needs to work those out, Meth's Wu-Tang Brother Ghostface is dope and continues to go strong, Joe has been chillin' hard and I'm starting to worry if his new album will ever reach our ears, Luda is bringing the whole DTP with him; so that is making Def Jam even stronger, N.O.R.E he's a G, he's a G but laying quiet, the Roots are dope all the way around and are not going anywhere, LL has been there since 1985 he is not going anywhere and working on something new as we speak, Kanye is the biggest artist on the label and is bring G.O.O.D Music, TB is going to bring the Japanese funk to the U.S., Juelz and Jeezy are becoming the next Red and Meth; well trap versions anyway, Fox Boogie is losing her hearing; as of right now she is playing bench, Slick and Rev Run bring the Old Skool element to the label, Sam is Def Jam' s future, Freeway, Beanie, Tru, Aztec, Memp Bleek, and Peddi are the future of the Roc Army, and Fab, Jada, and the Lox make nice new family members.

Nas belongs here....by now your head should be cocked to the side looking for answers. Here are your answers; with all the new blood at Def Jam, Nas could really spread his wings and come up with some creative music with these artist. A big plus is Kanye is there, even though he said he is no longer making beats for people I think he will change his mind when it comes to Nas. And with talks of a Nas and Jay-Z album, this only seems like the natural choice. So lets be wise Nas, go to Def Jam please! It will be the best choice you will ever make as of right now. Lets bring New York back!!! NY STAND UP!!!

That boys and girls is my mind and all rulings are final, I'm out like a light. One.

Jay-Z Goes Left & Adds Teriyaki For Flavor

Whut It Dew? This is DJ Xcalibur back once again. I was kind of shook up last weekend, but I'm back on my P's and Q's. Now you have(or have not) heard about Jay-Z's new artist driven label Def Jam Left. Well, as of September 30th everybodies favorite Hip-hop band, the Roots, officially signed to Def Jam Left. They are also putting the finishing touches on their new album Game Theory. That is dope! Being a big fan of the Roots, I think this will be a good move for them.

Moving to The Land Rising Sun, Jay-Z has just signed his first Japanese act. The Teriyaki Boyz, which is headed by DJ/producer/A Bathing Ape genius Nigo. The debut album, Beef or Chicken, features production from DJ Premier, DJ Shadow, Mark Ronson, Dan the Automator, Ad Rock of Beastie Boys, Just Blaze, and last, but not least The Neptunes. Beef or Chicken is due in stores November 16th. I admit, I was kind of so-so on these cats, because of their name, but now I will be the first one in line to get the album. DON'T SLEEP!!!!

Jay-Z is also keeping himself busy by executive producing Mike Shinoda's Hip-hop project, The Rising Tied, and co-executive producing Chicago newcomer Lupe Faisco's debut, Food & Liquor. There is also a hefty little rumor going around that Hova is working on a comeback album. Man, Young Hova is busy! Maybe if I come out with an album I can get help from Hova and Pharrell or at least Nigo.

That does it for me loyal fans, MHHL.

DJ Xcalibur

Thank God For Life

What's going on good people. Just had to say thank God for life. I was almost in a horrible accident on the way to the airport to pick up my mom earlier tonight. I fell asleep at the wheel and was able to wake up in time to get my car straight. Enjoy life and thank God for every precious moment. MHHL( More Hip-Hop Later). One.

DJ Xcalibur

J Records and Hip-Hop

What tha business is? This is your boy DJ Xcalibur once again, but I'm not here to give you Hip-Hop News. This time I'm going to speak my mind about J Records. Now I have mad love for Clive Davis and what he is doing-Clive Davis has a know track record of making artists into stars...well Alternative and R&B artists that is. J Records has in my opinion made a come up since its start and has recently merged with Arista Records making the label even stronger. Now here is were the drama begins, J Records does not, I repeat does not do Hip-Hop music...POINT BLANK!

If you have been paying attention, and I know most of you have not, then you have seen J Records track record with Hip-Hop. The Biggest Hip-Hop record that J has had since it birthing was Genesis by Busta Rhymes and that was what maybe 2 or 3 years ago. If you look in the dictionary the word genesis means origin and the word origin means beginning. Now Busta probably more than likely give this title to his album because it was a new album on a new label and he was ready for a fresh start, but how long does it take milk to spoil after it is first opened and unused...not long. Busta's second album on J Records, It Ain't Safe No More, did very poorly because J Records lost interest in the "milk" and let it spoil. One video, one single and that was it, Busta's business with J was pretty much done at this point, because J Records does not do Hip-hop. Let's continue shall we.

Zip to 2005, where a whole new breed of Rappers and MC's are getting their time to shine. One thing still remains J Records does not do Hip-Hop...Point Blank! The new list of Hip-Hop alumni at J Records is as follows, Cassidy, Boo, Rhymefest, Clyph, and Smitty. Also Swizz Beats' Full Surface label and Rhymefest has a deal through DJ Mark Ronson's Allido Records which is disturbutated by you guessed it-J Records.

Let's talk about the boy Cassidy for a second. After his historic freestyle battle with Freeway it seemed like Cass was on his way to becoming the hottest thing in Hip-Hop. When Swizz landed the deal at J Records, Cassidy's career just seemed to go down hill from there. His first album, Split Personality, did poorly even though it was powered by one of the most annoying, but successful summer anthems of 2003(Hotel). The label decided to put out a single driven for the ladies(Get No Better), and that did not float well with the fans who liked Cassidy the Battle Rapper. Dispite poor sells the first time around, J Records decided to give Cassidy another chance. This time around Cassidy turned to his hustla side to sell records. His second album, I'm A Hustla, was led by the single by the same name. Things were starting to look good for the boy Cass, but many, including myself, spoke to soon. Just as "I'm A Hustla" was reaching full steam, Cassidy was hit with a murder charge and everything came to a holt. The second single, "B-Boy Stance" never picked up because of Cassidy's legal troubles. To make matters worse J Records did not even push the record after that. Yet again letting the "milk" spoil. FREE CASSIDY!!!

Now with two examples to go off of, you can not tell me J Records is built for Hip-Hop. At this point I am glad that LL Cool J decided to stay with Def Jam...who has a known record for being a Hip-Hop label. Here is what I am saying, unless J Records decides to create a seperate label just for Hip-Hop and find some one to properly handle it, the new line-up of artist may as well look for a new deal in the near future. The talent there is going to spoil, because J does not know how to handle them.

That ladies and gentlemen was a piece of my mind and there is more to come. Comment and send us your cereal recipes. I'm O-U-T!

Kanye West

What it do good people? I'm going to give you another good album review to beat you in the head with. Everybody knows about the boy Kanyeezy and if you don't you, I'm coming to your house and beating you to a pulp! Now everyone knows the first album was a work of genius. From the tracks featuring Mos Def,Freeway, and the G.O.O.D Music family, plus the funny school related skits, most thought that Kanye would not out do himself. Well they were wrong and here is the proof.

Yet again 'Ye produced most of Late Registration except for two tracks. The Just Blaze produced joint "Touch The Sky" is a uptempo track, think "Jesus Walks" on steroids, with the help of new comer, Lupe Faison, this track hits you in the head like Scorpion on Mortal Kombat. The other non-'Ye produced track "Bring Me Down" is a full orchestra joint, brought to you by Jon Brion, dedicated to the haters. The whole CD is not fun and games(hehe).

Kanye touches on the crack epidemic on "Crack Music" which is also very powerful. It even sounds more authentic with The Game on the hook, Charlie Wilson and Keyshia Cole on background vocals, and Umar of the Lost Poets. This song is one of the more stand out songs on the album because of this. Not only will it have you bobbing your head but, it also makes you think. Most of the soul is brought out by the song "Since You Came In My Life" by the New York Community Choir, which 'Ye sampled.

This album kicks like Liu Kang with the addition of the new skits, once again provided by Deray. " Wake Up Mr. West" is another Bernie Mack inspired skit telling Kanye that he is worthless. The other skits are dedicated to a fake faternity by the name of Broke Phi Broke. So any who was ever broke or currently broke can relate to these skits. They make the space inbetween tracks worth listening to.

Overall, the album is a very solid buy. The prodution is on point and the guest appearances are fitted and tailored like a good suit. With additional help from Paul Wall, Common, Cam'ron, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Jay-Z, Jamie Foxx, and countless others, Late Registration is another great piece of work by Kanye West. Sub-Zero's heart would melt if he heard this album. With all this talk of MK, I feel like mashing buttons. Peace to the Dropout Bear! I'm done like a fatality. Peace!

Petey Pablo New Album, The Rebirth of D' Angelo, & Pharrell Tames Lions

Hey there happy people! The first official post by your boy XLB. My job is to hit you off with your hot hip-hop news on the Spill. This weeks top stories, Petey Pablo's new album, the rebirth of D' Angelo, but first Pharrell climbs in a giant robotic lion and fight universal evil.

For all those cartoon fans who sit at home and wonder what ever happen to Voltron, well wonder no more. Voltron is coming to the big screen. The movie is going to be produced by Mark Gordan, the same guy who did The Day After Tomorrow, and scored by Pharrell Williams. Pharrell will also do the soundtrack, along with the other Star Trak fam. Yeah Voltron, geeks everywhere rejoice!

Well Jay-Z just keeps expanding his empire. After a long bidding war with Bad Boy and Interscope, Hova added Karina Pasian to the Roc roster. So since there is a new princess, does that mean Teiarra Mari is the Queen?
Stop the presses everyone Petey Pablo is working on a new album. The album is to be titled Same Eyes On Me, and will be executive produced by....You guessed it Suge Knight. Sounds like Pac all over again.

If you are in the same boat as me you haven't heard from D' Anglo in a while, well besides his numerous drug charges. Word on the street is the "big" homey has signed with Clive Davis's J Records, but there is no word on an album yet. If you want to hear some new D' Angelo he is on the remix to Common's " Go!"

That does it for me, I'm going to dig out my Voltron stuff... YEAH! See you later.