Critical Minded: June

With Hip-hop History Month just past, I was gonna switch up to my old-school alter-ego Def Jeff for this months Critical Minded. I even dug up my old Flava Flav clock. I figured the Def might prompt a threatened lawsuit from ol Hustle Scrimmons (thanks Chuck) for likeness rights. Anyway, while there are far too many to name individually, I would like to pay homage and thank every artist who has made a contribution to this culture that I love. Respect due.

Speaking of Mr. Simmons, most of you know I havent bit my tongue when it comes to his hypocritical ways and that isnt going to stop. He blows me away, one minute he is doing positive work with the Summit and preaching about the need for more positive artists, and the next he is pimping Joe Budden on the world? I know Soundscan holds the answer to that question, but it still seems counterproductive to his other efforts. Sure, that beat he rocks over is nice but Budden is fucking terrible. Maybe that vocal chord problem will do us all a favor. Shit, that is kinda cold.

On with the show...So ODB is on the Roc huh? Seems like an odd fit, but it may just be wacky enough to work. They had better hope that Ol Dirt Dog has some platinum plaques left inem cause once Jay retires (or should I say if), they are fucked. Beans has got some talent but he only showed that he was a lazy motherfucker on his last album. He has been living off his potential his whole career, time to step up. CamRon sucks dick (maybe literally), and he is only getting worse. Despite some outstanding production, Freeways album came and went with little fanfare. Proving once again Jay is the only one who can ship platinum. Memphis Bleek is the very definition of a useless rapper. Aside from the Rocs production team, give me one reason why anyone would listen to Bleek? What exactly is he offering? All those other young cats sounded like shit on Blueprint 2, so fuck them too. Kanye could do some good things with his solo album, hell certainly have the beats. Oh yeah, and M.O.PIll always love the Mash Out Posse but their best days are behind them. Regardless, they arent the people to carry a major on their back. Better keep sellin them jeans Jigga...

You know what is insane? How much more talent is on the independent scene right now. Unlike the stagnant commercial scene (with a few exceptions of course), cats are actually pushing the boundaries and making original music. Wild fucking concept isnt it? Creativity in music, they did break up but still fuck on occasion. Take J-Zone for example, no one is making more innovative beats than Cpt. Backslap. Not just innovative though, type ill. Check the new single 5 Star Hooptie, dope beat and mad funny as always.

Am I the only one who is hoping that the Feds lock up all those Murder Inc. clowns? I guess we will really see just how gangsta Ja Rule the mousekateer is when he is getting gang raped in the shower. Pain is love indeed. I know it is old news now, but I still cant get over Busta getting all angry on that Hail Mary dis. It was just some bizarre shit hearing him like that after 12 years of yelling.

There has been a lot of good shit dropping lately, unfortunately I havent had the time to all the reviews Id like so I thought Id spread the word on a few of my favorites. If you dont have Brother Ali, Murs and Little Brother yet, what are you waiting for?

Cunninlynguists Southernunderground: If you didnt hear last years Will Rap For Food it is time to stop sleeping on the Kentucky trio. Production is excellent and rhymes are dope too. To get a good taste try Seasons (ft. Masta Ace, prod. Rjd2), Rain, Old School and Love Aint for starters.

Vakill The Darkest Cloud: I had Vakill on some Molemen comps but I didnt know he was this nice. Can battle, tell stories, drop some heartfelt shit, all that. Plus, nothing but Molemen beats, cant go wrong with that. Check Sickplicity and Fallen (ft. Slug).

Akrobatik Balance: Hip-hop needs more albums like this, content is real strong as Ak drops plenty of jewels and keeps it conscious without being preachy. Remind My Soul is easily one of the years best songs.

Aceyalone Love & Hate: You just cant front on Acey, he brings it strong every time. Some real nice production from Rjd2, Fat Jack, Riddlore and El-P. About on par with Accepted Eclectic. Moonlight Skies is one incredible song and lives up to the dream pairing of Ace and Rj. The bonus cut, Ms. Amerikkka is one of my all-time favorites from Acey.

Some dope ish is coming soon too, be on the lookout for new albums from Louis Logic, J-Zone, KRS-One, Gangstarr and lots of others that my piss poor memory cant recall at this time. Im out...until next time, pray I dont get SARS.

Love me, hate me, feel free to tell me jeff.ryce@hiphopdx.com