Cash Money Films present: Rich Gang

YMCMB has been on a mission in recent years to establish their imprint everywhere.  So far, they have been successful in music.  Lil Wayne, Drake, and Nicki Minaj are hit machines; they have number one albums, sold out tours, and other ventures.  They also have Jay Sean and Kevin Rudolf who are on their roster and create revenue in other genres of music.  And let’s not forget their endless roster of other rap artists including Bow Wow, Tyga, Lil Twist and the list goes on.  Their team is still growing; and whether it’s a fire mixtape, a noteworthy album, or a feature…somebody from YMCMB is always in the spotlight.    

Birdman is now trying to capitalize off YMCMB’s success and expand their brand by entering the film industry.  His latest creation is called “Rich Game” which is set to start filming in the fall.  Birdman describes the film as a 2012 Balla Blocking.  The film will be centered on Lil Wayne but everybody on the label will be featured in the film.  It’s kind of like a documentary…but not really…according to Birdman it will just focus on the team. 

I cannot wait to see this film!

Maybe it’s me but I see a Straight-To-DVD movie in our near future.  Really sir, spare us.  YMCMB has interesting people on their roster because they truly take living that “rock star” life to heart.  But as Birdman pointed out he just wants people to be themselves in the movie, no acting school required? So…what exactly is the plot again?  Why is this something that needs to be a movie a not a docu-series on YouTube?  Maybe this should be an 8-episode show pitched to VH1, BET, or MTV.  Not…and I repeat NOT a movie!  Granted if you look at history Balla Blocking, I Got Da Hook Up, and State Property those are hood classics.  BUT they are not to be confused with a John Singleton movie.  I mean those movies are no Boyz N Da Hood, no Baby Boy.  Similar, but there is more quality, more cinematography involved.  Hell, John Singleton’s movies have plots; you have to go to acting school!

Birdman can do several things…not pay producers, gang bang, flaunt Lil Wayne’s money, and ruin a good track by talking all over it; but creating a captivating movie- -I think not. Stick to your day job. 

Tim Tebow Sex Scandal

This is completely absurd.  Tim Tebow seems to have this big rain cloud hanging over him wherever he goes.  In the past couple of months Tebow has been replaced by Peyton Manning, traded to the New York Jets as a back-up QB, and was recently booed at a New York Yankees game.  All of this for a guy who describes himself as a devote Christian. 

Tebowmania is about to pick up again!  Wait…it’s not football related; this time it’s surrounded around his virginity.  Ashleymadison.com is a [shall I say slutty] website that provides matches for swingers.  They are offering $1 million to any woman who can take Tebow’s virginity and prove it. 

Wait…What?  $1 million?

This is going to bring out the crazies.  Women already are attracted to Tebow…he’s a young football player who appears to do no wrong (expect ruin the Bronco’s playoff chances).  But let’s be honest, in today’s society there are a lot of women who are looking for an easy come-up.  People do not believe in working hard, they are more concerned with how they can make money quickly?  It’s become a trend for women to sleep with athletes and somehow get fame and recognition for doing so (hence Basketball Wives, Football Wives, Baseball Wives etc.)

Here’s the $1 million question…WHY IS TEBOW’S VIRGINITY SO IMPORTANT?

Why are people so obsessed with Tim Tebow?  Ever since he announced his faith to the world people have been obsessed with him and comparing him to Christ.  The guy said he was a Christian and was saving himself for the right woman.  He did not say he is Christ in the flesh!  He simply shared a snippet of his religious views with us.  Somehow that got translated into that he is perfect and he is without sin? I’m pretty sure Tim Tebow has flaws…even if he is a devote Christian; WE ALL DO!  So if he decides to have sex before marriage, or have a one-night stand or whatever…why is it any of our business?   More importantly, why should anybody encourage him to stray from his religious beliefs?  That’s like swinging cocaine in front of Charlie Sheen after he got out of rehab, betting $1 million to a person who can prove that he will use again.  WHY? Why endorse it…just to say “AH HAH…I told you so.”  Then what?  You feel better about yourself for outing somebody, or exposing a flaw?  The media and the world are obsessed with trying to expose people.  Let the young man live. (Follow me @eyediditmyway)

Holograms

Things are getting out of control.  As everyone has heard by now, Tupac made a surprise performance at this year’s Coachella.  For those who don’t know, Coachella is an annual Music and Arts Festival held in the dessert of California that showcases up and coming artists.  It’s pretty much like Woodstock; there are artist from several genres including Indie, Rock, Hip Hop, Electronic Music etc.  Apparently, Tupac wanted in on some of the action too!  Dr. Dre and Snoop had Tupac join them on stage via hologram to perform “Hail Mary” and “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted.”  I’m not going to lie; it was pretty impressive but also seriously creepy at the same time.  Look at the clip.  They have Tupac’s appearance, moves, voice, and tattoos perfected. 

Here’s the problem….

I see this one great idea that entertainers, fans, and the media are going to take it and run with it.  Whether people want to admit it or not, the hologram was kind of bizarre and creepy as it was shocking.  With that said I know that another hologram performance of a deceased musician is on the way.  BY ALL MEANS PLEASE DON’T.  Please don’t bring back Biggie, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Elvis, Marvin Gaye, John Lennon, Freddie Mercury, Dick Clark or ANYBODY else you can think of.  Seriously…for once can we let a musician rest in peace?  (Follow me @eyediditmyway)

You Are The Weakest Link...Goodbye

There always comes a time when someone’s favorite artist needs to put down the mic and move on.  With every new song, album, or mixtape they release their fan base shrinks and the blogs laugh!  The artist still thinks they’re music is hot…filled with quality, and their true fans will appreciate it.  In reality…the artist probably has too many “yes-men” around them who are not going to admit to the artist that they are REACHING!!!  What’s that old saying: “Good Things Don’t Last Forever” (word to Rich Boy).  Here are a couple of artists that need to go to the left:

1. Diddy: Swag, Diddy, Puffy, Papa Daddy Puff, or whatever he is called at the moment…he just needs to stop it with his remixing and rapping.  His latest verse on the “Shot Caller Remix” is the same stuff he was spitting on “I Get Money Remix” and all the tracks he’s been featured on since 2007.  Enough already sir! We know you are rich and you were the pioneer of all things swag. His creation of Dirty Money almost worked but he gave shine to every other artist featured on the album besides his band mates.  Plus he rapped/sung in auto-tune…that was such a fail.  He is one of the best businessmen in the world, and he has a knack for producing, marketing, and ruining the careers of everybody he signs.  He should just stick to that and stalking J-Lo…leave the rapping alone. 

2. Lil Kim: We are all still laughing at you for trying to sell your Black Friday mixtape through Pay Pal.  People release mixtapes for free all the time so why would we pay for one…especially for an artist who was popular in the mid-90’s and early 2000’s.  Granted her last album did have a couple of hits but that was over 5 years ago.  Her latest song “Keys To The City” ft. Young Jeezy is…um…well it doesn’t sound like Lil Kim.  It sounds like she is trying really hard to keep up with the times.  Food for thought. 

3. Soulja Boy: Can you believe that there are still die-hard Soulja Boy fans in the world? Soulja Boy releases music all of the time…with beats from FL Studio (ex: the "Stop Kony" song).  His last hits that I mildly enjoyed was “Pretty Boy Swag,”“Blowing Me Kisses,” and regretfully “Speakers Going Hammer” (circa 2010).  You know what it is… (and I am speaking as a fellow southerner)…southern music has changed a little.  Most of the party tracks are coming from California right now.  The south has ventured away from snap and crunk music, as well as jigging.  Don’t get me wrong we all love to jig but most of that music is played on a local and regional level.  The dope boys, hustlers, and thought provoking veterans and new comers are getting all of the national shine.  As I have blogged before, Soulja Boy raps about…[I’m literally drawing a blank here].  Maybe it’s time that he leaves the rap game while he still has some bragging rights (he’s responsible for the youtube phenomenon) and invest his time in developing video games?

4. DMX- I LLOOOVVEE me some DMX. I mean I can recite his first two albums on sight!  I will proudly blast his 90’s music loud and proud out of my car…and bark and growl at somebody too! I also commend DMX for seriously wanting to get his life together.  He’s on VH1’s new show called Couples Therapy (which I heard he is a hot mess on), and he wants to stay clean and sober.  Great…so now he can focus on new music.  But wait I feel like this is a case of Déjà vu because situations like this have not worked out with DMX in the past.  His past experiences can possibly translate into good music once again, but maybe he should focus on…on…taking things one day at a time.  Maybe his time has passed.

5. Mystikal- In all fairness if I had to put DMX on the list then I had to include Mystikal.  I just saw the video to his comeback song, “Original.” He is still rapping the same…that is good I suppose because he is sticking to style…being original (<---see what I did there).  It’s been over 10 years and I still have trouble understanding what he is saying when he rhymes.  And the fact that he signed with Cash Money is just not a good look.  Their roster is all over the place.  I just don’t see this being a positive comeback.  Maybe he should write a book, start a business, or help out Master P. (Follow me @eyediditmyway)

DRAKE is #Winning

Critics constantly attack Drake’s character calling him soft, whiny, and anything and everything that resembles a baby.  While some see Drake as being “the same yellow boy who used to play up on Degrassi,” he has rapidly developed into the “go-to guy for the hits” in just three years.  Whether he is being Drizzy or Heartbreak Drake on a track, he always leaves a good impression.  Unlike most artists, Drake has found the perfect formula for success: he manages to express his emotions while still showcasing the arrogance and growing pains of a guy in their mid 20’s. 

Drake is regarded as 2012’s second ‘Hottest MC in the Game’ for a reason.  Unlike several other artists you can tell that Drake is a student of Hip Hop and R & B; he infuses the two so well.  As an artist, Drake understands the mechanics of musical composition like none other.  He understands harmonies and melodies, as well as when to use inflections.  All of these things and more are the reason why Drake is constantly #winning (word to Charlie Sheen!).  So without further ado, here are MY stand out Drake songs:

1. Underground Kings- Drake   

Drake's homage to southern rap pioneers UGK is arguably one of, if not THE, standout track on his Take Care album.  His delivery does the track justice while cleverly boasting how he made a milli of a mixtape.  

2. Shot For Me- Drake

This is one of the most vulnerable tracks on Take Care. Of course all men can relate to it but it is a relatable song in general.  Who does not share these same feelings as Drake after a break up? Bitter, anger, jealousy, resentment, love, and arrogance.  Heartbreak Drake is at his finest right here!

3. Deuces Remix- Chris Brown ft. Drake, T.I., Kanye West, Fabolous, and Andre 3000

Who does not know Drake's verse on this remix? Drake croons his way into describing his lusty relationship with his significant other.  Don't lie, everyone in their 20's has had at least one. 

4. In The Morning- J.Cole ft. Drake

Let's be frank, we all love getting it in in the morning, especially after getting it on at night!

Honorable Mention: 9AM In Dallas, Uptown, and Free Spirit

(Follow me @eyediditmyway)

Different Shades of Black

The recent death of Trayvon Martin has shed light on racism in America.  In just three weeks several boundaries have been created, but none more than black against white.  This is nothing new; the black community has always been shunned in America.  We walk to the beat of our own drum and we are always so enriched in our culture, our norms, and our history.  In turn, since the beginning of time black people have been misunderstood as well as stereotyped. 

At a glance, the Trayvon Martin case seems like a hate crime that was racially motivated.  To Zimmerman, Trayvon looked like a trouble maker or a “thug” because he was wearing a hoodie.  Somehow, over the years a hoodie has become associated with danger in the black community…who knew?  We (as in the black community) clearly see this for what it is, which is a stereotype.  Not all black people are the same. 

Here’s my problem:

Every day I read on Twitter, Facebook, the blogs, and the news different opinions of black people in our community.  We are so quick when there is a matter of race to talk about boycotting those “crackers,” “pigs,” and “whitey.”  Secondly, we are quick to shun the people of our own community who do not follow suit.  If you work for the “white man” you are considered a sellout.  If you work a 9 to 5 for the “white man” you are slaving.  If you are putting your money in the bank, you are letting the “white man” swindle you.  If you are compliant to authorities or even mildly respectful you lost your race card!  I am the last person to yell “Heil Hitler” or “White Power” but I see a consistent problem in our community.  We are so quick to divide ourselves within our own community.  We judge each other and are quick to outcast another person.  There are different shades of black.  Just because one did not grow up in the hood or struggling does not make them any less black than the next person.  Black people grow up differently.  Not all of us are raised to be in touch with mother earth and Africa.  All of us are not Muslims; some are Christian, some are Catholic etc.  Some of us like to work; working is the American way because living in America is not free!  Some of us want a better life and we want to be able to live comfortably.  But does that make me any less Black? 

We have come a long way.  There was a time where we could not vote, could not receive an education, we were denied knowledge.  Now we have Black doctors, Black lawyers, Black colleges and universities, and Black media personalities (shot out to myself!!!).  The sky is the limit for us because we now have the knowledge to create our own opportunities.  So why do we continue to judge one another, divide our race and put each other down?  Before we can solve the problem with racism in America, we have to solve the racism and classism in our own community.  (Follow me @eyediditmyway)

The Underdogs

For some odd reason when it comes to music I always love to fight for the underdog.  You know… the artists that people look over or don’t even consider “hot.”  You know as well as I do that in the music industry artists are only relevant as their last hit.  This is especially true for artists that enter the music industry at a young age.  Child stars have it hard because they grow up in the spotlight and their music always corresponds to their age.  The problem lies when the artists become legal: their image usually changes and so does the subject matter in their songs.  In turn, their audience either likes the shift or writes the artists off. 

Bow Wow and Yung Berg are two artists that are the ultimate underdogs in today’s music industry.  Although they have gained other talents over the years (Bow Wow acting and Yung Berg producing), being an artist is their first love.  They struggle to remain relevant or to even be taken serious as a rapper.  They both enjoyed success during their teenage years under the wings of Jermaine Dupri and DMX, but when they chose to step out on their own there was a disconnect from their audience.  Bow Wow and Yung Berg both had successful singles but audiences wrote them off as trying too hard or pretending to be something that they’re not. 

Bow Wow and Yung Berg might not receive mainstream love but all of their mixtapes are FIRE!  Both of these guys are not lyrical geniuses but they are not Lil B and Soulja Boy neither!  The production that Bow Wow and Yung Berg use on some of their mixtapes makes it sound more like an album.  Also, besides trash talking, Bow Wow and Yung Berg always manage to drop at least one introspective track per mixtape.  Either way; here are a few tracks from the underdogs that I think you should check out.

BOW WOW

The Green Light (2009): Regret

Greenlight 3 (2010): How I Feel

Greenlight 4 (2011): Boy or Girl

Greenlight 4 (2011): Lets Get Closer

Greenlight 4 (2011): Ain’t Thinkin’ Bout You ft. Chris Brown

I’m Better Than You (2011): Mary Jane

YUNG BERG

The Show, The Afterparty, & The Hotel (2010): What U On(I Been Getting Money)

Money Can’t Buy Love (2010): Like A Pony ft. K-Young

Ground Work (2010): Call On Me ft. K-Young & K-Smith

Ground Work (2010): Girlfriend

Reality Check (2011): Heart Of The City ft. Mia Rey

Reality Check (2011): Had It All ft. Mia Rey

So what they talk about having sex with multiple girls, smoking weed, and having more money than the average person...it wouldn't be Hip Hop if SOME artists weren't materialistic! Some of these tracks you might be able to relate to or definitely bump in your ride!

(Follow me @eyediditmyway)