Before anyone thinks anything, I’m not saying these two are beefing or even comparing styles. I’m comparing their differences in a sense. With that being said, one thing about me is I’m constantly thinking on quite simply the way I think. Confusing? You bet your sweet ass! I always like to be my best critic. I like to challenge myself to even think of my preferences without being objective. Perfect example; Young Dro is one of my favorite rappers. Now you may read that and think why? We all know that Dro isn’t the best lyricist out of Atlanta or P$C. With Dro it’s more than just lyrical ability. Don’t get me wrong he’s nice in my opinion and he pretty much raps about things that I can’t relate to as I don’t have the disposable Income. But Dro is in his own lane with his own sound and style. There’s not another rapper out there who compares to Dro at all.  By this thought process, there’s a lot of other rappers I should listen to for that same reason right? Enter in Nicki Minaj.

Nicki, who I was into when she was with Fendi back in her “Come Up” Days could actually spit. She was R-A-W! If you don’t believe me here are a few links:

Nicki Minaj - Click Clack     Nicki Minaj - Jump Off     Nicki Minaj - Warning

Case and point is she at that stage in her career she was viscous on the Mic. She is now transformed to a different type of person artist and I haven’t been feeling a lot of her new material. Which regardless of if you like it or not it is my opinion. The Character that she now presents I don’t see as creative or anything but again this is MY OPINION. So I’ve chosen not to listen to a lot of the new stuff. If she drops something good I’ll acknowledge it; I was feeling Moment for life and Roman’s Revenge but again her new material is just not my cup of tea. What you want me to do I’m sorry…it’s just whack to me.

          (“Angry Barbs”: I better watch on for #TEAMMINAJ huh?)

Flash forward to today! So I’m watching VH1 this afternoon and they were playing Behind the Music: Missy Elliot. Then I realized that Missy was different as well but I loved most of her material so why can’t I gather myself to listen to a Nicki track with that same ear. Why can I accept that Missy doesn’t use a traditional style but can’t accept it from Nicki who just happens to be the Hottest Female MC in the game today? That’s when it hit me!

                                (Couldn’t of said it better)

There are distinct differences within the content of their Music although their approach is similar in a sense. Missy and Nicki both can Rap. They have proven it countless amounts of time. They both have voices that will allow them to have success if they switched to the R&B lane. Yet the difference is that Missy’s style was ground breaking because it never really came off as “annoying” and was always innovative. Another example would be DMX. What made DMX such a great act when he first was on the scene was that he represented those who didn’t pop bottles in the club, those raw and gritty dudes who you tried to avoid. Missy was that to women. She represented the common women and didn’t follow the normal protocol or fit the same as a Lil Kim and Foxy Brown. Missy came out and wasn’t afraid to be herself. As Missy evolved, her style still was an essence of herself which she never left. It didn’t seem forced; it didn’t seem out of the ordinary. The Music was great and dare I say her music became more fun? Shut up it was a rhetorical question Yeah it did.

                          

               (He He He He How He He He He How!)

Now I’m not saying that Nicki should stop what she’s doing. She’s obviously winning. She has a massive fan base and is moving units. It’s just my opinion that just feels super forced and unauthentic. Actually a lot of things with Young Money have that feel. Yes I know A LOT of things in Main Stream Rap are not Authentic but what you gonna bring up? Rick Ross being a C.O.? Because Ross rapping as a “Boss” when he’s the head of his own Record Label feels Authentic to me.

              
                                          (Auuuugh!)

Back to the point, I think if she kept it balanced it wouldn’t be as bad. 2009 was the perfect version of Nicki. She did her Nicki Minaj thing but she also had quality raps. My opinion doesn’t matter at all; I find it hard to believe that someone who can spit this: Nicki Minaj 2009 BET Cypher  Is now on this time:Nicki Minaj - Starships

I have to agree with Hot 97’s Peter Rosenberg…if you haven’t heard it…click the link Peter Rosenberg Kicks the Realness on Nicki Minaj’s “Starships”  …you be the Judge. Oh and don’t call me a hater either, I only chose to write about The Nickster because everything she does is blown out of proportion like if Tebow threw an Alley-oop to Jeremy Lin. I have an opinion and I stand by it with conviction! I’m Out!

Normally I try to start out all my writing pieces by painting of a picture in the introduction. This is to give you that initial vision of what I want you to see. However this time will be different. This time will be a disclaimer. The idea was derived from a conversation, I am by no means trying to offend any females nor am I trying to down any one for being promiscuous or loose as that would be the pot calling the kettle black. What this narrative can be classified as is just a simple exploration of two worlds that have many similarities. So remember if you’re mad, I don’t know what to you tell you and if you’re offended…get your priorities in order.

Now that I got that out the way, today I had an interesting conversation with a friend on women. This make a long story short my friend pretty was saying that “All Women are Whores”. Granted it’s not right to generalize; but women say so “All men are Dogs” so I don’t want to hear it! It’s actually kind of true though. Everyone has an edge to them that would be and could be deemed as “whorish”. No matter if you’re a man or women, its human nature and no one is immune. I actually agreed with his statement for the most part and responded as “The trick is to know which levels of whoredom they are at, I mean you don’t want the Level 100 Charazard of Whores cooking your junk”. This is when it donned on me. The Pokémon universe has an uncanny resemblance to women. (Queue the Theme Song)

Yes, I said it! It’s true; hear me out on this one. Picture this; you’re Ash Ketchum a young man who is destined to travel the world on a journey to become a Pokémon master. During you’re travels you encounter different types of Pokémon and even manage to capture a few. You gain accolades from fellow trainers even out perform a few during battle. You collect as many as you can while still remaining close to Pikachu who has been with you and will be there for the long haul. Now let’s flip it! You’re Ash Ketchum a young man who is destined to travel the world on a journey to become The Man! During you’re travels you encounter different types of Women and even manage to sleep a few. You gain accolades from fellow Men even out perform a few when during intercourse with identical partners. You sleep as many women as you can while still remaining close to your girlfriend or wife who has been with you for and will be there for the long haul. You see what I did there?

                                        (The Resemblance!)

I don’t think you are catching my point so I’m going to break down the similarities. We’ll take aspects and compare. This should and theoretically will demonstrate the point that I’m trying to make. We’ll start with a few lyrics from the theme song.

                                       The Theme Music

 “I want to be the very best, like no one ever was” this line sounds like something that every male has running through their head. Regardless of the subject every guy wants be top dog. To continue on, “To catch them is my real test, to train them is my cause” this one is pretty self explanatory. Every man let me fix that and say a majority of men (as homosexual men are men too) has a test in life which is a women.

Dave Chappelle explained it the best: “A man’s test is a woman…if a man could fuck in a cardboard box, he wouldn’t buy a house”.  

                                            The Pokédex

 The Pokédex in the show and video game was a electronic device that featured information about Pokémon that you discovered. Yeah, this is the equivalent to the Smart Phone with a Facebook, Twitter and Instragram (if you got an iPhone) applications installed. You see a girl, look up her profile and you got all her info right there.

        (And I spent 400 Bucks on this just to be like you aint up on this!)

                                      Acquisition of the Pokémon

In the beginning of the show and video game, the “trainers” (equivalent to Men) are given what was known as Starter Pokémon to start their journey. How this relates? Simple, the “starter girl” many men don’t have the luxury of losing their virginity to that perfect female, you have to gradually work your way up right? There are some that do start off high and to them we salute, however; the normal man doesn’t. Half the people I know regret their firsts.

                                        (Aye…Mine are bigger)

 As the journey continues, they will encounter all different types of Pokémon, which is true as not all women come in the same shape or size. As they encounter them, they will capture them by throwing Poké Balls at them; if they can’t escape the restrains of the balls then they will be on that trainer’s team. That last statement do I really need to explain? I mean Poké Balls…balls…I think you’ll get it. Oh what about the restraints? Well if a man pipes a woman down good enough…you know what I think you get where I’m going with this as well.

                                                 Battles

Ah yes, Battles equal Sex just to get that out the way. After every Battle, the Pokémon / Women gains experience and eventually levels up. With every newly reached level, the Pokémon / Women will learn new abilities, obtains new skills and learn new moves and techniques to be used in battles.

                             (Ah yes, Level 69 Pikachu, I choose you )

                                          Evolution

The Pokémon will experience a form of alteration and transform into a similar but stronger species. It has been debated that women go through changes to their bodies due to sexual activity. Most research says no but it is still debated today. Legends have it that some women will get wider hips, a fuller butt etc. but again I’m not a doctor and it is still debated today. Another form of a women evolving is pregnancy. Mother’s tend to be tougher at times as they have a child of their own to look after which could explain the “Similar but Stronger” species. So either way it still fits perfectly. 

                                          Miscellaneous 

You also have Pokémon Gym’s Gym Leaders which sound like Clubs, Club Owners and Club Promoters. The Pokémon watcher; this would be classified as the dude who is too scared to actually talk to women. And ofcourse…The Tag line! “Gotta Catch ‘Em All”. It’s so self explanatory that I refuse to explain it!

                    (I got the hottest in the game wearing my chain )

So there you have it, I have laid all my cards (puns intended) out on the table. I don’t see any other reason that you should disagree with me on this one. If you do, explain it to me please! Gotta admit this one was fun and as always Stay based my Friends!

 “Mo’ Williams will throw in, get’s it to LeBron. For three for the Win *Buzzer Sounds* YEEEESSSS! LEBRON JAMES AT THE BUZZER!…” Ahhh yes, Star Pro-Athletes doing what they do best, as I remember that game winning Shot with the great call from Marv Albert I wonder, why any pro-athlete would feel like living in moments like this wouldn’t be enough. Crazy as it sounds; some have a feeling as if they need to partake in the Music Business. Which leads me to this entry, the Top 5 Worst Pro-Athletes Songs of all time…according to Reek of course.

Let me say this first, not all Pro Athletes make bad music: there are some good songs out there.  The 85 Chicago Bears Super Bowl Shuffle was a good song for what it was. It wasn’t supposed to be a chart topping song as it was comedic relief to a hard fought NFL Season which they ended on a high note. Plus the Shuffling Crew obviously weren’t trying to be a serious band and like they said, they weren’t here to start trouble, they were just here to do the Super Bowl Shuffle. Ok but on a more serious tip, no way you’re not going to tell me that Willie Beamen didn’t kill it with “My name is Willie”…wait…what do you mean that was a fictional character played by Jamie Foxx? GTFOH! Ok Ok Ok! There are some good songs out there and I’ll use Chris Webber ft Kurupt - Gangsta, Gangsta and Shaq feat Bun B & Papoose - Can’t stop the Reign remix as examples even though both songs were feature packed, the actual Athlete held their own. These next 5 aren’t as good though.

We will start this out with two Honorable Mentions:

HONORABLE Mention #2: Deion Sanders - Must be the Money (Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEEPVGtwsO8)

I almost didn’t want to use this as an example as Neon Deion aka Prime Time is quite simply “The Man!”. But this song is bad. Outside the fact that it matches his personality to tee, just listening to his singing makes me laugh. Other than this, Deion is a Master on a Microphone just not singing. Again, Deion is the man!

HONORABLE MENTION #1: Ron Artest Michael Jackson Tribute (Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcZaf8LAxvI) This I couldn’t put on the top 5 list as it was a MJ tribute but Metta World Peace knows he was wrong for this! Actually, he’s wrong for a lot of his actions during his NBA Career! But man, “Michael, Michael, Michael you my nigga” Seriously? Enough Said! Let’s get to the main list.

#5 Allen Iverson aka Julez - 40 Bars (Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBrbMj0eyqM&feature=related)

I have no doubt if Iverson rapped before he went to college and ended up in the NBA that his career as a Gangsta Rapper would be short lived. Actually, his rap career with that was short lived (see what I did there?). A.I. You are on TV, in a position where you will be forced into a Role Model status and you come out with this horrible attempt at a Hardcore Gangsta? Horrible PR Stunt, not the best songs, flow’s off and the lyrics are not what you see from Iverson “This type of Murder don’t need no hook jus

t 40 F*ckin bars from the mouth of a crook”? Really? You make millions playing ball and you’re a crook? This is why you should have been at practice! The beat was dope though.

#4 Shaq - I Know I Got Skillz (Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFZkKV-CR5E&feature=related) I know, I used a Shaq song to show when Sports Stars make good songs, but this song right here though? Is just as good as Kazaam and Shaq-Fu. Shaq’s “Tell me how my ass taste” free style was better than this song. Just terrible! Wasn’t Shaq’s best work at all. By the Way, Shaq is smackin Hoopz and has 4 NBA rings and a lot of money so he Wins regardless of what I say.

#3 Macho Man Randy Savage - Be a Man (Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG7jTAGliyY) In 2003 someone gassed Macho Man to not only make a Diss Track to Hulk Hogan, but to do a entire Rap Album. This is one debacle that Vince McMahon didn’t have anything to do with. The song is horrible and the a review of the album said “this album makes history as it Sucks and Blows at the same time). RIP Macho Man, I will remember you for the Wrestling, Slim Jims and Bone Saw…but not for the Rapping.

#2 Roy Jones Jr. - Ya’ll Must Have Forgot (Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWIqZKhNY90) Although I wouldn’t say it to his face as the dude has to still have a mean right hook, but this song is 100% pure garbage. My friends still use this song as a running joke. The reference along brings laughter and joy to anyone. Maybe it’s not a bad song after all? No that was a joke it is very bad!

#1 Kobe Bryant feat. Tyra Banks - K.O.B.E (link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpzJgLzzX38) 13× NBA All-Star, 9× All-NBA First Team, 5× NBA Champion, 4× NBA All-Star Game MVP, 2× NBA Finals MVP, 1x Bad Rap Artist! How in the hell did this happen? Phil Jackson allowed Kobe to team up the beautiful Tyra Banks and create this, this, this Noise Pollution? Tyra could sing…kinda…well I liked that Shake Ya Body song but still Kobe stay away from Bars, stick to Baskets (and I am a Lakers Fan!)

I’ma flip the Script on this and review an R&B album. The Weeknd, not really known to the mainstream audiences but has nice fan base and a lot of critically acclaimed work with releases such as Houses of Balloons and Thursday. I was put on to Thursday by my good friend Phil (no I’m not going to put his full government). If you’re in to subtle R&B (or if you liked Drake – Take Care…not a knock he actually worked with Drake) you will like this tape for sure. If you want to check out more of his work it is free and available for digital download at http://www.the-weeknd.com/. And if history tells you anything, anyone with a buzz that’s willing to give out their music obviously did it for the love of the game and “wasn’t in it for the money like a A-Rod” (Name that quote if you can!)

The Weeknd has that slow R&B feeling. One of those projects that you can just sit and vibe out to which is good for a lot of moods. This tape for sure picks up where Thursday left off but hits you with a nice twist in the beginning as he covers Michael Jackson’s Dirty Diana and does a pretty damn good job in the process. I mean a real good job too the point where I couldn’t tell if it was a cover or if he took the vocals from the original track. The rest of the tape is pretty stable, but a great MJ cover is hard to follow especially one that is as impressive as that one. My high points of this tape would be the tracks Outside, Initiation and Same Old Song and it gets real Trippy at the end of that track with an appearance from Juicy J. The tape is very short but all of his projects have been this year. I’ll give this tape a 4 with the only reason not giving it a 5 because it doesn’t embody the “I can play this anytime” emotion in my opinon and that’s not even a real knock. If you are in to this style of music this is a Must have for sure.

The Saga continues, Cam’ron and Vado explode back on the scene with The Boss of All Bosses 3. After the wait, the BOAB 2.5, 2.8 etc. it finally drops. And as I’m writing this, the intro is playing. And yo…Cam is really that dude man, there’s nothing more to say. He flexes the versatility muscle [Pause] starts it out talking that slick sh*t and starts the fast flow, stops and talks more slick ish and then switches the flow up? “Man who f*ckin with me?” – Cam’ron. I normally judge the feel of a tape based on the intro and this one goes hard and sets the tone for sure…and there’s no Vado or Drama on the intro either? Let’s get in to the tape!

Off rip, Get Right is tough. I feel like I need to not say anything. Not even looking at who produced the tracks, it sounds like Araab Muzik and if you heard Araab’s work before, you know the beat is official. Cam spits heat, no Vado on this track but it doesn’t hurt the track at all. The same with the next track, Harlem with It; Cam and the production seem to feed off each other for sure. The way this beat cuts in and out is just dope, plain dope. Keys in the Damier expresses this too with Cam and the beat having Chemistry as if the beat was alive and working with this man. Not to mention Cam is in rare Killa Season form on this track as well. Hood Shhh…highlight of the mixtape, the song has a feel of Big L’s Ebonics. Not saying it’s like it, but it’s kind of that same concept of Cam taking you through his world. He starts the track “Let me tell you how it was when I was 12” and starts taking you on a ride through his time, his hood. The sample from the next track is dope, the beat builds on some ill ish and again just Cam. Now I went through the these all for a reason….notice I went through tracks 1-6 with no Vado? Could this be because Cam is trying to allow Vado to have his own identity with him just signing to a Major? Who knows…

V12 makes his first appearance on Track 7 “Not us”.  The two together, do they disappoint? This was a rhetorical question as the answer is an emphatic No! I’ll even give you a “rarely”. Because you can’t prove it with factual proof really…As I isten to the rest of the tape, here it is in a nut shell: Dope Beats, Dope Lyrics. There’s even a Jim Jones feature that I was even rockin to…ok maybe it was the beat (the track is From the bottom).

I’m trying to keep this short and not ramble so I’ll rap this up and it’s quite simple. Boss of all Bosses 3 as a Mixtape can be considered a classic and can compete with some of the top albums this Year…except WTT since regardless to my disappointment lived up to it’s hype. Other than 1 track that I wasn’t really feeling (That’s only 1 out of 20 tracks) this is everything you can ask for in a Mixtape/ Album for sure. I’d give it a 4, Lyrics, Beats, Concepts, Lyrics, Flow and if you actually listen to the sh*t Cam says…Lyrics!. If you don’t already you need to get this for sure…Trust!

It’s great to have good friend’s nah? I kid of course! Just got my hands on Young Jeezy TM 103: Hustlerz Ambition and needless to say this is one of the more anticipated albums of the 4^th quarter 2011. Set to release 12/20 after countless set backs, the album leaked not to long ago and everyone was eager to get their hands on it. Rightfully so, Jeezy makes good music. So it’s time to strap up and enter the Trap as I explore this album.

First I must mention, the last review I did, I actually went through every single track. This time I’m not going to do that as I’d end up writing a damn book! Back to the script though. The Standard version comes with 15 tracks and the Deluxe comes with 3 bonus tracks: Ballin feat Lil Wayne, Lose My Mind feat Plies and Never Be the same. All in all it’s a well put together album. But nothings perfect.

Some of the cons with this album are in some tracks, Jeezy seems to lose his flair a bit. Now if you’re reading that and thinking “What the hell is he talking about”, then it’s obvious that you haven’t been listening to Jeezy for a long time. Here’s what I want you to do, go listen to “And Then What” off TM 101. Listen to his style, approach and overall appeal on this track. Ok, now I want you to listen to “I Luv It”, look for the same things that I had you look for in the 1^st track. Now go listen to Fat Joe feat Jeezy Ha Ha (Slow Down). Look for the same things. You catching my drift? Jeezy’s presence on records progressed and he had more flair and had developed more of a style that would draw you in and command your attention. When I listen to the a Track like What I Do or Nothing you can see that he doesn’t come off with that same style. I only notice this in a few tracks. However; it doesn’t matter when the song is good. There are just a lot of songs on here that I wouldn’t see as singles but would be bangers to owners of the album.

Now for the Pros, which out weight the cons by a landslide! Production, Drumma Boy, JUSTICE Leauge, Warren G are ones I’m familiar with. Lil’ Lody did a few tracks, if you’re not familiar with him, go and listen to MMG Self Made Vol.1 “Malcom X” and “Another One” with Ross and Diddy…yeah, you know him now . With a line up like that, beat wise this album is on point. Content ranges from song to song, which is good you don’t feel like your listening to different versions of 1 song. You won’t hear the same type of lyrics on “Leave you Alone” as you would on “SupaFreak”.  

If I had to pick 5 tracks (not including the Bonus tracks) to pick as the Top 5 Tracks on the Album, easily it’s going to be:

1. Super Freak feat 2 Chainz
2. Trapped feat Jill Scott
3. I Do feat Jay – Z & Andre 3000
4. OJ feat Fabolous & Jada Kiss
5. F.A.M.E. feat T.I.

Now to the Important part, Jeezy emerges back into it with this release. The LP is tough, the Deluxe version has bonus tracks that you most likely have already as they were on his previous projects. None the less, an all around a good release. On a range of 1 – 5 with 5 being The Greatest Album ever (take in to consideration Mixtape ratings and Album Rankings are on two different ends of the spectrum). I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5 Great album; recommend you buy it even if you download it. I’m going to cop it for sure, we need to support our artist.

As you already know, it’s that storm brewing in the horizon aka Hurricane Reek and like if you can’t hang with the big dogs, stay off the court! 1.

I’m going to start this review off by stating that Ace’s last two projects Body Bag and Blood Sweat and Tears I thought were good and showcased a newer improved Ace Hood from his first album. You always know what you’re going to get with Ace Hood as he’s consistent with this new style (which will be a reoccurring theme in this review). There is a lot of production from The Renegades who use the bass heavy approach similar to Lex Luger.  If you’re bumping this in the whip and have the right system with the right Subs, this tape will cause the rear view mirror to vibrate for sure.

Track 1: Intro: First thing I noticed was the Going the Distance instrumental. Which if you ever heard the original Victory (P.Diddy feat Big and Busta) or even the remix that they threw 50 and Banks on (which they murdered the track as well) then this sound already sends chills up your spine. Ace Hood spits after a lil intro from Khalid. They do kind of a Back and forth where after the last thing Khalid says leads into Ace Hood spittin. All together, presentation is the key and for a mixtape named The Statement, that’s pretty much what Ace did on this track.. make a statement.

Track 2: The Realist Living feat Rick Ross: As I mentioned in the beginning statements, The Renegades produced this beat, so to me it knocks. I like it but that’s me I like the heavy bass. First thing you hear is that familiar “Wooooo” as Rozay is on this track. Regardless of how you feel bout Ross, you can’t deny that his music is hot. Ace did his thing on the track, didn’t really depend on Ross in my opinion, but Ross’s presence did nothing but enhance the song.

Track 3: Free My N*ggas: This track is tough. The intro into the track is the message you hear when you get a call from someone who is incarcerated. Then the beat kicks in and Ace on some F*ck the Judges, Cops and DA sh*t. And if you’re from the hood or know anyone who’s locked down then you’ll feel this song. The “Free My N*ggas” chant in the chorus is one that anyone will feel in my opinion.

Track 4: Luv Her feat 2 Chainz: Before I criticize the chorus of this song, I will say since the change from Tity Boy to 2 Chainz (*screams * 2 Chaaaaaaainz) his stock is on the rise! But back to the track, the 2 Chainz chant in the beginning of the song when the beat drops is enough to amp you up. During this track I realize one thing that I find is that all a majority of Ace’s choruses are interchangeable. I mean its apples and oranges but with me reviewing the tape I have to point it out. Lyrically the songs is good, 2 Chainz spit a nice verse too.

Track 5: Sh*t done got Real feat. Busta Rhymes and YelaWolf: This song right here has Busta who we know who can spit fast, YelaWolf who can spit fast, and Ace who did a pretty good job spitting fast. The beat bangs, Busta Kills the damn track. Busta has been on a winning streak with his features this year alone. Yela if you’re a fan (which I am) then you like his verse. He sprinkles his unique style on the track. The only knock is not letting Busta get the Chorus as it has the same interchangeable Ace Hood Chorus style. Tough Track though.

Track 6: Forgivin feat Kevin Cossum: This song was a breath of fresh air. Produced by Khalid this song served a purpose and broke the streak of Renegades beats in the previous 4 tracks. The song has more of those “real life” feels to it. Kevin Cossom singing the chorus was a better approach. Plus he had a lil bridge that he sang as well even though he was not credited. Definitely a “feel good” track for those who don’t always feel good.

Track 7: My Speakers: With this we’re back to the Renegades. This beat features a chorus  which sampled Ross’s “Ace knockin my speakers” from the Hustle Hard remix for the chorus, which is ironic because this song actually sounds interchangeable with that track. The track sounds good, something to bang for sure.

Track 8: Yuup: Yuup Yuup Yuup Yuup Yuup, all over the beat. Will not knock it because it’s dope. Like when Swizz beats uses “Go, Go, Go, Go, Go,” on his beats it adds character to that beat. I like this track, I can see Twerk Team making a video to this (if they do remember I called it!). If you don’t know who the Twerk Team is do yourself a favor and look them up on Youtube!…Back to the song. It just has that feel of “this a hard track that has the beat of a stripper / twerker song”. Lyrically is still consistent with Ace’s normally style, the chorus isn’t interchangeable with any of the previous tracks. 

Track 9: Be Great: Any beat that has a beautifully done Curtis Mayfield sample already gets 2 thumbs up from me. That’s the Music Lover in me talking. This beat I can listen to all day. The message of “Being Great” differs from the feeling from the rest of the tape which is good; sometimes you need to break up that monotony of that gangsta / hood feeling.

Track 10: Check Me Out: This track was produced by “KE on the track” not sure if I heard any of his work before this. I like the sound of the beat though, it’s not a minimal beat like Grindin’ or Can’t stop won’t stop; but it has that sort of feel. The content of the song and the chorus are consistent with Hood’s style (I’ve said that a lot in this review, and remember it’s not a knock). The song is stable, not too much heavy bass. Up to par content and lyrics but stays true to Ace.

Track 11: Pay Her Bills: The name of the song loses me as I’m against “Trickin”. It is trickin even if you got it I’m just sayin! Oh, what? This song isn’t about trickin? More or less about strippers? Oh count me in then! Cardiack Beats pretty much produced a beauty for this song. The way the Beat progressively builds until it actually drops is great. This is a song you’d see someone bussin it wide open to on stage at Magic City or KOD’s. You know what I’m going to say about it Content wise.

Track 12: Dreamer: Had to look up the sample for this song I remember Wiz used it before. It’s You can’t Blame me by Johnson, Hawkins, Tatum & Durr. It’s more sped up then when Wiz used it on “When you find”. But it’s another track to break the Hood feeling of the tape. The content is a little different, Ace comes off as a young urban man who’s looking for a way to make it big just not in those words. The feeling, the content, the message, all good. The song goes hard too.

Track 13: BONUS: Body to Body remix feat Rick Ross and Wale: If you heard the 1^st Body to Body with Breezy (who is still on the track) then you know what to expect on a remix with MMG. I can see this song on the Radio being a hit single. Won’t get too deep into the track though y’all heard the first one already.

Track 14: BONUS: Emergency feat Mavado: First off,  I fux with Mavado, I think Khalid produced this beat, but it’s tight. The chorus is dope and goes with both of the artist’s personalities. The beat breaks during Mavado’s verse which I automatically get amped off of. Ace Hood’s verse starts off “Please Lord, Please Lord watch over my kids, nightmares holding the devil within, pistol on by my side I’m replenishing sins, n*ggas try me I’m re-arranging his limbs” I’m not even a thug and I felt that. This song was a perfect way to end the mix tape for sure.

Overall I think the tape is tough. Ace has little things that may annoy a listener but at the same time, (say it with me) you know what you’re get when you are listening to Ace Hood. On a scale of 1 – 5 with 5 being on a level where the damn tape can put Albums to shame; I’d give it a 3.5 or even a 4. It’s solid tape that I can see anyone listening to from Track 1 to Track 14 with the only song really being skipped being the Body to Body remix. If you haven’t already Check it out on Dat Piff (http://www.datpiff.com/Ace-Hood-The-Statement-2-mixtape.288517.html)

This has been the review of Ace Hood’s “The Statement 2” with Reek and like Beans once…I don’t do much. Catch you on the Flip Side!

After watching the previews that “leaked” I can honestly say that I am looking forward to this Black Evil Entertainment Television’s 2011 Hip Hop Awards Cypher. Since they first did it with Lupe, Styles P and Papoose, the Cypher has been the one of the most anticipated things on BET yearly. I have a lot of Favorites from over the years, from 2010 Diggy, GOOD Music, Bones Brigante, and Royce. 2009 Joe Budden, Eminem, Nicki Minaj (this is the Nicki that I’d rock with) and Black Thought (the most underrated rapper outside of Cormega and AZ). And my all time Personal favorite would be the one with Julez, Fab and Kiss.

This Year seems special though outside of what Skillz said about it. This year the Artist listed are as follows; Slaughterhouse, Eminem, Skillz, Nitty Scott MC, Estelle, Meek Mill, Wale, Rick Ross, Ludacris, Blind Fury, Kevin McCall, Chris Brown, Lady of Rage, Busta Rhymes, B.o.B., Yelawolf, Tech N9ne, Kendrick Lamar, Machine Gun Kelly, French Montana, XV, Wais P, Rico Staxx, Termanology, Sean Cross, Gilbere Forte, Chris Sutton and Jay Rock.

They have released the Online/ Not Televised The Warm Up Cyphers. The first one was with Gilbere Forte (never heard of), Chris Sutton (never heard of), XV and Jay Rock (never heard of) and it was dope everyone held there hold. The second one was with Rico Staxx (never heard of), Wais P (never heard of), Termanology, Sean Cross (never heard of) and French Montana with a special appearance by Mike Epps which was good to. French’s sound like something he said in a song before, but I have no qualms with that. The Warm ups were Cool and all but I’m waiting for the Main Events.

From the Previews (aka Leaks), it sounded like Estelle did great. I can’t wait to see her full set I mean she had a few songs where she rapped and did good so we’ll see how she does. In the “leak 2” they showed a piece of Joe Budden and Blind Fury, and it’s gonna be as expected. I mean I’m not a fury fan but the boy can spit and Joe Budden is a no brainer. Actually I’ll go as far as saying bar for bar, Budden is one of the realist lyricist out today aside styles P for sure. Leak 3 Shows Rozay and Meek. They showed like a bar from each. Ross sounds like Ross on record as he had his Auuuugh (aka greatest adlib of 2010 -2011) and Meek they showed 1 bar, but if you listen to Meek you know he’s good. Leak 4 shows Ludacris who slowed the beat down and went in so his set I want to see. Then they showed a piece of my most anticipated act Nitty Scott MC! And man she doesn’t disappoint. I’m big on Nitty she just nice. She has the old school 90’s HIP HOP feel and I SUGGEST you download that Cassette Chronicles mixtape (http://www.datpiff.com/Nitty-Scott-The-Cassette-Chronicles-mixtape.217210.html) for sure.

After the show, I’ll be sure to write my thoughts and feelings on the Cypher as of whole like you give a fuck. I did say predictions too right? OK so I can predict that

1. Slaughter House will kill it…actually that’s a GIVEN
2. 
   Nitty Scott MC will get that notice that she deserves like Rema Major got last year
3. 
   Estelle will out rap someone
4. 
   Wale will do better than he did last time (hopefully)
5. 
   B.o.B. will show y’all that just because he can make cross over records he can RAP
6. Eminem will kill it…GIVEN lol

Now, I’m going to go watch the old Cyphers and get ampped for this Thursday…This is what Rap music is supposed to make us feel like!

              It’s not a diss piece; it’s just a real piece. The Attention Whore, we all know one. That person that seeks attention no matter if it’s good or bad. That one person you know that wants nothing more than to be talked about, cared about, “What’s poppin in the streets” (if you knew me pre 2007 you caught that). The Master of the Self High Five, who just needs that attention to live like it was food or water.  We all know or are that person. There’s nothing wrong with it I mean who doesn’t love attention? But as with everything, there is a proverbial line, a limit if you will. Craving attention can have negative or even fatal results.

               I admit, I am an attention whore to the fullest extend of the term. I use Social networking sites to put my self out there. For no reason other than to get myself popping. This is weird because on the other end of the spectrum I am one of the lowest key people out there….Now that I confused myself, let me explain it like this. If you don’t know me, I can give 2 shits care less about if you are talking about or if I’m relevant in your eyes. However, if you do know me, the fact that you are talking about me even if it’s negative adds fuel to my fire. Hell, to be honest this passage is a perfect example…this ENTIRE TUMBLR PAGE IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE.

               I’m not sure how it works with other Attention Whore’s (we’ll call em A-Ho’s for short), but with me I need to know that someone is paying attention to me or I don’t know what to do with myself. Let’s take my Facebook page as an example. I post things while I’m drunk for the pure satisfaction of:

• 1. My friends knowing that I’m drinking
• 2. To bait them to comment on the stupidity.

Not realizing that my friends and family think that I have a drinking problem (which I promise you I do not). I painted this tainted picture of myself as a person which out meaning harm.

               Another bad habit of mine would have to be “Shock” posting / tweeting or “Angry” posting or tweeting. Now I know if you’re reading this, you’re thinking “what he means about shock posting or angry posting”. Well let me explain. Shock Posting is when you post something (or tweet) and the only reason you are posting it is to get people to be so appalled or baffled that they have to comment and same something about it. Like I’ll post something and be extremely vulgar knowing someone will say something, its human nature. Angry posting is the same idea but you’re looking for pity or just overall attention. Post something angry or depressing, you will either have friends that care enough to actually show some concern or those who just want to paint that picture as they may be attention whores A-hos themselves.

               Most of these traits that I have spoken about are harmless, but there gets a point where it does become annoying. Like when you’re trying to listen to a person who is confiding in you and ALL you can do is find ways to get the conversation back to yourself. *Guilty*. You could be in a situation where you have to make things know in an attempt to be the center of attention to the point that people just don’t want to be around you. The worst is when you use sex to gain that attention (which I would say *Guilty* but that would just be for shock…see what I did there?). There’s a lot of different levels for A-Hos it’s just knowing which one you are and getting a handle on it before it effects you in a negative way.

         Floyd Mayweather is one of the biggest names in boxing. He’s a cocky, brash superstar that will talk a lot and yet would back it up. He’s 42 - 0 Record proves that. Many people hate Mayweather for things that he says and does, me I love his antics. As a Pro Wrestling fan I understand! Most Pro Wrestling Fans will understand why Mayweather’s actions, this situation with Merchant and the situation with Pacquiao are both great for Boxing. Here are 5 Reasons Why Mayweather is Great for Boxing

*Reason 1: The Heat Factor:

- Floyd draws heat. No matter if you love him or if you hate him the fact of the matter is you want to watch his next fight. His antics alone bring character to the sport, draws more fans in which of course generates money!

*Reason 2: Overall Presentation:

-With Mayweather there’s always a WWE feel to his fights. Even before HBO started the 24/7 series, Floyd’s fights always included great Story progression, great build up which would lead up to the fight. Then on fight night he would have  great interviews, a great Entrance, and great post fight moments. It’s one thing to match two guys up and rely on the weigh-in to attract people, it’s even better when you have a top performer who can take it beyond that. Think about it, UFC, URL, “The Major 4 (NHL NBA, MLB or NFL) rivalry games” always do the best in ratings using this WWE method in presentation up until the game. It builds Hype and excitement!

*Reason 3: His Character:

-Face vs Heel, Good Guy vs Bad Guy, this is a hard angle to come by with boxing and MMA. Mayweather was able to successfully achieve this though. As a “Heel” Boxer (or Bad Guy) people are going to side with him still as the mass majority boo him and say how much they want him to lose. Either way the character of Floyd Mayweather is a big part of his success (Check reason 1)! Floyd Mayweather is one of the main factors keeping Boxing alive against MMA

*Reason 4: Entertainment

-Not all of his fights will be “Exciting” as Floyd is a cerebral fighter. The same reason people hate George St. Pierre. But out side of that, Floyd is pretty much the most entertaining boxer out there.  From walking in to “Born in the USA” during the Hatton fight, from the “Money” entrance against Sugar Shane. Wrestlemania 24 any one? Or maybe the fact that he refuses to fight for a Bob Arum promoted fight. These antics are great, but if you’re an old mark who has the diluted mind set that a Boxer shouldn’t be that flashy, then you probably hated Cassius Clay too, I’m just saying.

*Reason 5: He’s a Winner

-His record is 42-0. I’m going to say that again; his professional record is 42 wins 0 loses. How do you argue that? “Oh he didn’t fight anyone”. To that I say Chris Broussard of ESPN brought up a great point. If Mayweather is “ducking” Pacquiao, and hasn’t fought anyone why oh why is Pacquiao fighting Floyd’s leftovers? Pac man fought Ricky Hatton, Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley and Juan Márquez (even though they fought before to a draw) after Floyd beat them, so doesn’t mean Pac Man’s fighting “No bodies” then? And further more Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, José Castillo are not nobodies. Sorry that argument doesn’t stand. What’s that you say? “Oh he’s ducking Pacquiao though”. No, Manny Pacquiao didn’t sign off on the fight because of the USADA Olympic style drug testing. Gave some “superstitious” reasoning as if both parties weren’t going to be held to the same procedures! Hand’s down Mayweather is a proven winner. The fact that he hasn’t lost proves what I’m saying and hell even backs up with Floyd is saying.

To end this off on a strong note, all I will say is . That is all! Good night folks!