Gangsta Grillllz!!!

Ok Ok Ok! What up people! Your boy Xcalibur is back and I decided to show support to my boy DJ Drama (ipod King). I love this cat! I feel like I know him because of his mixtapes. In fact dare I say I am spoiled be this man. I mean his mixtapes are so dangerous that I don't really look for anyone else's. Ok here we go and as Drama would say "PAY ATTENTION!"

If you are not familiar with Drama's mixtapes then you have been living under a rock for the pass couple of years. This man has redefined to way mixtape is done. He takes the latest and greatest in hip-hop and does special editions with content that is exclusive and will keep you guessing who is going to be on the next one. Don't think that the south is the only target he goes all over the map with these Gangsta Grillz exclusives

Now many of you might know Drama because he is T.I.'s DJ of choice, if you want to get technical both helped elevate each others careers. In fact Drama is signed to T.I.'s Grand Hustle record label and plans on release an official Gangsta Grillz album (more on that later). Drama is a busy man nowadays. He has his own label and a crew of DJs and artist that are ready to cause havoc and make sure you get "Aphilliated."

Time to introduce the crew. First I have to introduce the Aphilliates DJ crew. The Aphilliates are Drama, DJ Don Cannon(CANNON!!), DJ Sense(Trendsetta!), DJ Jamad, DJ Ox Banga, and DJ Jaycee(who is also down with DTP). Ok Ok now to introduce the artist on AMG (Aphilliates Music Group). These cats are dangerous and ready to blow. They are Wille the Kid & Detroit Red (correct me if I'm wrong Drama). Now that you have been brought up to speed lets continue. Drama has just completed a deal with Asylum Records to debut his artist. I think this is awesome because these cats will get the exposer they deserve and not just on mixtapes.

Don't think that just because Drama has been busy with the official album and his artist that he won't still bang out mixtapes. I heard over the wire that he is doing on with Gillie the Kid (not to be confused with Willie the Kid) and OutKast. OutKast!!! Do you know how big that is?!?!? He has already worked with so many south legends already and OutKast is finally coming! And Andre is going to be rapping!! Rapping SON!! OK I'm excited and can't wait...As far as the official Gangsta Grillz
goes all I know is that all of AMG and Grand Hustle is going to be on there, but there are also a bunch of other artist that are going to be on there but I don't know who. The project is been kept under lock and key and not a lot about it has been given away, but I will let you know when more things about it develops.

Well that is all from me for now. Stay tuned for my album reviews on Obie Trice and Rick Ross. In the mean time go get a Gangsta Grillz mixtape and get APHILLIATED!!! Check the technique!! Afrolutely!! HAHA!!

Xcalibur aka Mr. Intel

Pharrell- In My Mind

Whut it dew, Whut it dew! Your boy is back in the building and doing something he has not done in a long time. Dare I say an album review...Gasp! I took you to Texas, to North Carolina, and to Chi-Town. Now I'm going to take you to Virginia to get on the mother ship. Its Star Trak time and Pharrell is your guide with In My Mind.

The album is genius and sticks to the Neptune formula by pushing the creative boundaries. After waiting what seemed like space-ages for Pharrell's album, I was not disappointed. The fourteen track journey was joint that and gives you a look into Pharrell's mind. The first single "Can I Have It Like That" and the second single "Angel" were just introductions into the album for me, the rest of the tracks were prime like choice cut beef(anybody want a steak?). Now to the rest of the album…

"How Does It Feel" is an up-tempo joint that will automatically catch because the drums are sick and Skateboard's words slick. The chorus will have you saying "Yessur!" along with him while he tells his plans for getting cake. The song is more or less like a introduction of Skateboard P and what he is all about. One of the many choice cuts on the album. Let's move forward.

The joint "Best Friend" is a song that P uses to get a lot of things off his chest. In the song he talks about his mother, grandmother, Chad (his best friend and Neptunes partner), his career and anything else that he has kept bottled up. This song was personal to me because...well listen to the chorus. Now You can not listen to this song without listening to "You Can Do It Too" which comes right after. This song is a motivator to anyone listening to the song. Pharrell basically tells everybody out there that they can reach for their dreams the same way he did and succeed. Two of the must listen to's on the album.

"That Girl" featuring Snoop Dogg is the transition track on the album. It brings in Pharrell Williams as we exit Skateboard P's mind. One this track Pharrell sings and raps while Snoop does a verse and Charlie Wilson helps with background. This track is an instant favorite. It also prepares you for the R&B part of the album. "Young Girl featuring Jay-Z/I Really Like You Girl" is a all out awesome story about a crush on one end and also follows up with an ode to how much he likes the girl. It is a personal favorite of mine. Plus how many chances are we going to get to hear Jay-Z...well until his upcoming album.

Well I could give away the whole album, but I would rather you listen to it for yourself. Pharrell does a brilliant job giving us a tour of his intergalactic space-age mind. All the production is done by Pharrell and the album has guest appearances by Gwen Stefani, Slim Thug, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Pusha T, Nelly, Kanye West, and Lauren. Also listen to the closing cut on the album. "Skateboard P Presents: Show You How To Hustle" well shows you how to hustle. Also the album comes in like four different covers which is awesome, but that is coming from a Star Trak N.E.R.D., haha funny...ok never mind I tried.

Shout out to the whole Star Trak fam. I'm out this piece. They found out that I didn't have a ticket for the spaceship ride. I'm out like Mike Tyson. Afrolutely!!!

Xcalibur aka Mr.Intel

Mos DEFinite

Hey peoples!! Xcal is back in the building to give you a piece of my ever running mind(me and my brother call it thinking in patterns). As you can see from the title my next subject happens to be The Mighty Mos Def!

First let me start by giving a shout out to both Mos and my big cuz RhapsodE who opened for The Mighty Mos not to long ago. Now as for my connection with Mos Def I know him through his music and his acting. I identify with the music more because that is my M.O., my life blood...Period. My first introduction to Mos I want to say was around the time "Ms. Fat Booty" came out. Loved to song to death but because my ear was not to Hip-Hop like it is now I had to prior experience with him or the music he made. As I got older I started to more about Mos, but it was not only him. I was opened up to a new phase in Hip-Hop that was not all that new, but it was new to me. Being opened up to the likes of Mos, Common, Talib Kweli, Hi-Tek, Pharoahe Monch, and Black Star(Mos Def and Talib Kweli) gave me a look into what Hip-Hop really is and not for what most of the younger generation identify it as today. My introduction did not end there but had just begun.

My brother JT and I started working together when I was a freshman in high school. The four years I spent working with him shaped my view on Hip-Hop and dare I say kept me from the corruption that most kids were receiving do to the corporate Rap that was being spoon fed to them by the corporate juggernauts. Out of pure fate, in high school one of my best friends was a guy by the man of Ruben (we called him Ish). We exchanged music all the time because to expand our libraries, which were already huge, we had to rely on who had the lastest or the old joints that no one could get their hands on. One day after doing the weekly music exchange at my locker(which was the usual spot) he asked me if I had Mos Def's Black On Both Sides. Remembering the "Ms. Fat Booty" joint I asked if he had it and the next day I had a copy of it in my pale geeky palms. And the rest will be saved for another day cause I am sure you don't want to hear my trips down memory lane which were not that long ago.

For those who are not familer with the work of Mos here it is. His albums include Mos Def and Talib Kweli Are Black Star, Black On Both Sides, and The New Danger. As an actor Mos Def was in God Bless the Child(1988), You Take the Kids(1990), The Hard Way (1991), The Cosby Mysteries (1994), Ghost (1997), Brooklyn South (1997), Spin City (1998), Where's Marlowe? (1998), NYPD Blue (1998), Island of the Dead (2000), Bamboozled (2000), Carmen: A Hip-Hopera (2001), The Wayne Brady Show (2001), Monster's Ball (2001), Showtime (2002), Civil Brand (2002), Brown Sugar (2002), My Wife and Kids (2002), The Italian Job (2003), The Woodsman (2004), Chappelle's Show (2003-2004), Focused Digizine #1 (2004) , Something the Lord Made (2004), Lackawanna Blues (2005), The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005), The Boondocks (2005), 16 Blocks (2006), and Journey to the End of the Night (2006). I probably gave you more Mos Def than you can handle and half of the stuff I named off I have never seen him in. Have you?

At first I thought about writing this article a while back because I had not heard Mos Def blessing the mic in a while. Not to mention he said that he was only going to bless us with with one more album and is going to just act. At that point I had fainted and double-taked at the news. When the news of his album being worked on and pushed back numerous times, I gave up all hope and started to get use to Mos Def THE ACTOR(even though he was very funny in The Boondocks and in the Chappelle Show. Then came the day when I was listening to Little Brother mixtape and heard him going at it toe to toe with LB. I screamed like a nerd and ran around the house. When Rawkus Records: Best of Decade One came out and my brother J got me a copy I nerded out once again cause there was all the great Mos songs, plus more. My faith restored as Mos as an MC I was happy to receive any guest appearance or any hint of new rejuvenated Mos Def. Plus I knew in the back of my mind that Mos was not going to leave us with just The New Danger, which was Black Jack Johnson(Mos Def's rock group) heavy. And like a true Hip-Hop Head I was correct.

Last week the word came across the Hip-Hop wires that Mos Def was blessing us with new material and new shoes. Through a deal with Converse, Mos Def has a new shoe out called "Music." And his new album True Magic is due out September 26th via Geffen Records. So to all you Mos fans be happy he is back and better than ever. Now if we can just get him and Kweli to do another Black Star album i'll be happy.

Well Hip-Hop true believers, that is it for me I am going to make mince meat of these pixilated football players. I'm out like a light. Afrolutely!!!

Why Is Little Brother Still Slept On?

Ok, I know I have been gone for a minute but trust I have not forgotten about you. I just made on of the biggest moves of my life and have just found a new topic to talk about. Subject Little Brother...

I am in no way shape or form dissing these cats so don't say that I am. Ok LB has been out for a second now and the rap sheet these guys have is well impressive to say the least. Albums include The Way You Do It, The Listening, The Minstrel Show, The Chittlin Circuit 1.5( I think there way a Chittlin Circuit before this one), and most recently a mixtape with DJ Drama, Gangsta Grillz: Seperate But Equal
. Now everytime these cats put out new material you see the constant evolution of the group. Phonte always has a witty, yet funny punchlines, Big Pooh brings the aggressive lines, and 9th Wonder's beats seem to get better everytime, his soulful take on records make him as high demand as a producer as anyone else. These are the members that make up Little Brother.

The group as a whole is awesome. But one thing I do not understand is why cats hate on Big Pooh. Granted his punch lines do not hurt as much as Phon-Tigga's he still holds his own. Upon having a conversation with my cousin D-Boi where we were discussing the group he said that he really digs Phonte but sometimes he feels that Pooh does not fit. I told him that Pooh as more than once proven that he can hold his own. Check the freestyle he did over The Neptunes' Imma G beat. So after hearing my analyze of the chemistry of the group he thought and said "I need that mixtape!" I just said "Yeah you do, cause it is better than The Minstrel Show."

Another thing I was bothered with was when listening to a new LB track on xxlmag.com there was somebody that commented on the track asking if 9th was still with the group. I replied "Yes..." The track was from the new Hall Of Justus CD that is coming out. Now for those not familiar with The Hall Of Justus it is a collective of producers and MCs that come from North Carolina. It is made up of Little Brother(Phonte, Big Pooh, 9th Wonder), Foreign Exchange, Away Team(Khrysis and Sean Boog), Big Dho, Chaundon, Joe Scudda, DJ Flash, and L.E.G.A.C.Y.. Now that you are informed let me continue. The CD that the Hall Of Justus is coming out with is going to be produced mostly by 9th Wonder and Khrysis. Just because the rappers of LB chose to rap over another beat does not mean the core producer(9th) has left the group. Also them being rappers cats are going to be throwing beats at them. Second 9th is producing half the album...nuff said. Wait I'm not done with the hatin'.

Next victim...BET. Now if you have read one of my previous blogs you know that I can not, repeat CAN NOT stand BET. Black Entertainment Television lets try Ruining a Generation Television. Now if BET is suppose to be about supporting BLACK artist why did they not support Little Brother when their video for "Lovin' It" was out? Another question is why don't they support other underground cats like LB? Does them being with Viacom have anything to do with it? The answer is no...They have been doing this before Bob Johnson sold out. They are just now deciding to take off BET Uncut. Uncut was a bad format to begin with. The only good thing about it was that underground cats got some play...good and bad. The main thing about Uncut was not for underground videos but for the damn near soft core porn ones...you know the ones. So riddle me this Batman...Why did MTV(Not a black station) pick up LB's video? Answer: They are more true Hip-Hop and R&B than the channel that is suppose to be for us!! Has anyone else noticed the amount of black shows they pick up and actually stay? The have a whole video channel for Hip-Hop and R&B and they showcase underground! What happen to the one BET was suppose to be developing?? Anybody know?? Cause I don't. So it is fair to say that yet again BET is getting their ass handed to them. And they wonder why no one is watching. On an added note, the DMX and Keyshia Cole shows are not going to save you rating. Also VH1 is doing yet another Hip-Hop Honors which I love to death, but BET is just now putting together a Hip-Hop Awards Show...WTF!?!?!? How long has VH1 been doin' this? Going on three or four years? Basic jest BET is slow...real slow. If Black people where every thrown back into slavery and only channel we had was BET we would be SOL PERIOD.

So everyone show Little Brother some love. They make GOOD Hip-Hop music and so does the Hall Of Justus. Go pick up the new Hall Of Justus CD Soldiers Of Fortune on October 3rd and pick up Lupe Fiasco's debut Lupe Fiasco's Food and Liquor on September 19th!! The Geico Lizard just called and I'm going to get some pie and chips with him. I'm done like Hammer(lol). One!!!

DJ Xcalibur aka Mr. Intel

What The Hell?!?! When Did Selling Out Become Cool!?!?

Okay this is your boy DJ Xcalibur back to hit you once again with all that is important in the Hip-Hop culture. This is a topic that has been bothering me for the last couple of days...Selling Out! Are some rappers/producers so tight for money that the jump on the first project that drops into their not so hot lap! Thanks to Sickamore(What up 80' s baby!), he brought this to the light for me when I was reading one of his articles on XXLMAG.com. When did endorsing and rapping on someone like Paris Hilton's record become cool!!! Seriously! Can someone answer me that! As a matter of fact do not even bother because I know what you are goin' to say, "They are just doing it for the money." Bulls***! The cats that i am refering to are Fat Joe and Jadakiss. Oh and here is another list of people working on the project, Three Six Mafia, Lil' Jon, and Scott Storch.

Now Fat Joe and Jada(as much as I like him) I do not think I can let this slide. Fat Joe called Paris Hilton's record/album quote "phenomanal." WHAT THE HELL! Ms. Hilton must have given Joey Crack a monster blowjob for that one... Instead of endorsing a spoiled rotten, rich, and need I say straight racist dumbass, why don't you try keeping your failing label together! Joe has cats on his label who are good but will never see the light of day. Tony Sunshine, Geddy, and Prospect have officially passed benchwarmer status as of like two or three years ago. They have been sitting on the damn bench so long they have started to grow roots! The only smart one at this point is Remy Ma! She announced that she is officially done with Terror Squad and is looking for a new situation as of this week or late last week. Joe if you can get your s*** together maybe I can start liking you music again.

Next, as much as I hate to do this I have to rip into Jada. Dawg, you have to focus on getting D-Block on the ground and running. When I first heard you, Styles, and Sheek were starting this and the bread winner for D-Block was going to be J-Hood I was excited...but it seemed the steam ran out and the label situation with you, SP the Ghost, and Interscope were goin' sour, it seemed like the train came to a full halt. Get back on it man...PLEASE!! New York needs you, Hip-Hop needs you, and we(Hip-Hop Heads) need another LOX album. Come on maaan!

Now me being a producer I have a soft spot for producers so I think I am going to be a little more bias. Lil' Jon is Lil' Jon every body wants a piece of the crunk even Dave Chappell...but Paris Hilton does not need any. Ms. Hilton is crunk enough by herself. Come on look at the sex tape as a reference. Also, now that Three Six has won a Oscar(ALL OF HIP-HOP STAND UP!!) everyone wants a piece of them now. It was uber nice to see everyones jaw drop when they won too. Mr. Tuff Jew I am starting to lose faith in you homie...I dig your beats and you have monster skill and starting your own label is cool. I can understand venturing out but you signed Brook Hogan(seed of wrestler Hulk Hogan).....'nuff said.

I'm going to say this and never again...Get that money and come back over to the Hip-Hop side...PLEASE!!! Alright all of my 3H's I gotta jet, make up for all that lost button mashing time. Catch you in the beat...1!!

Nas, Jay-Z, & Def Jam....Still In the Building!!

Whoa!!!! It feels like i have been gone for fiflity days, but I'm back like cancer that never left! Okay so here is the update on Nas, Jay-Z, and Def Jam.

As most know by now Rick Ross is Def Jam's newest star. He has a joint deal through Slip-N-Slide(home of Trick Daddy and Trina)and Def Jam. The first single from his album Port of Miami, "Hustlin'" is blowin' up!!! To make things even sweeter, there is a remix to the song with Jay-Z and Young Jeezy! How hot is that! Look for Port of Miami to drop sometime this summer.

Next, the boy Nas has a title for his debut Def Jam release and has put out the list of producers who are going to work on it. The album is suppose to be titled Hip-Hop is Dead...The N and is set for a September release. As of right now what I am hearing is that will.i.am, Kanye West, and Just Blaze are the only set producers so far and the homie Hova may be making a guest appearence on the new album. The album is a minute a way so I will keep you updated on anything new.

Now that Def Jam wants to go for the home grown Hip-Hop thing it was only natural that they went a signed The Roots. Their album Game Theory is due this summer and the first single, "Don't Feel Right" is hotter than my girl! Haha, okay back to biz. Expect to dive into a dark listening experience this time around, the first single is the darkest single I have heard from them yet! Sometimes darkness is good. Also there are going to be a few surprises this time around so stay tuned.

Next up to bat...look for Freeway, Shawnna, and Method Man. M-E-T-H-O-D MAAAN! Meth has been gone for a minute, but he is coming back with is new album 4:21. The album is still boiling and cooking, but there are two singles out right now, "Say" featuring Lauryn Hill(Wow!) and "Ya Mean" featuring Fat Joe and Styles P. Shawnna's new album Block Music is I believe set for a late summer release and is suppose to be her best work to date. With the first single "Gettin' Some" "blowin'" up(Haha!)she is goin' for the throat this time...hahaha!!! Her new single "Damn" featuring Chevy P(formally Smoke of Field Mob)is damn good and will hit in a couple of weeks. Freeway's new album titled Free at Last is set for a late summer early fall release. For more on Freeway's new project read the previous article.

Also look for new stuff from Joe Budden. His new album The Growth is due in October. Look for new music from Fabolous, Redman, Sam Scarfo, and Ludacris. The sound track to Tyrese and Megan Good's new film Waist Deep is due on June 13. Even though it is on another label look for Lupe Fiasco's new album, Food and Liquor due on June 26 which is executive produced by Jay-Z.

Okay take a deep breate and take it all in and absorb...I'm goin' to get some more cereal I ran out. ONE DUN!!! I'll be back with more very soon!

Can G-Unit Get Any Bigger!?!?!?

What's good people? Your boy XLB is back again to hit you off with some Hip-Hop news.

Well, everyone's favorite Roc-a-fella, Philly underdog has made a surprising move. Our boy Freeway has signed with and is a official member of G-Unit. Wow, I know him and 50 were cool,but I did not see this coming at all! The deal that Freeway got, I have to say is damn good. While he is still on Roc-a-fella/Def Jam he is also on G-Unit. Expect some major things with this one.

We have been waiting on Freeway's new album for the longest. Philadelphia Freeway was so sick, it is always in rotation in my car, home, and ipod. The new album untitled album will have production from Kanye West, Just Blaze, Dangerous LLC, Needlz, and Scott Storch. It will feature 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, Beanie Sigel, Mariah Carey, and Black Thought of the Roots. The album will be executive produced by 50 Cent and Jay-Z(who Freeway still has a great relationship with)and will go though Roc-a-fella/Def Jam/G-Unit. This record is going to be crazy!!! We all know 50 can pick beats and Jay-Z can make a good record, so expect some heat. The new album will also address Freeway's relationships with G-Unit, State Property, and with the two other Roc founders Dame Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke. Look for a May/June release date.

Wow I will give you more info as I get it. I'm dumb-founded and that does not happen often. I'm out like a light. One!!!