It all started with one e-mail sent by former Wall Street Lawyer turned rapper, Jay Eff Kay that sparked this review. He stumbled upon this blog and decided to ask if we wanted to review his album. Now how could we say no to an offer like this? Enough chit-chat, we’re just gonna cut straight to the review.

At the beginning of the album, we’re greeted with a intro, which gives us an idea of the outline of the album itself, God’s going to bring mayhem to America, Jay Eff Kay is here to stop him with his quick delivery and flow, and extended knowledge of America, after all, he worked for Wall Street before turning to rapping as a serious career. After the intro, comes the first full track, “Welcome to America“. Merely about 30 seconds in the track, Jay’s already addressing America’s current results in the War in Iraq. Everything being discussed on ABC’s Dateline is being rhymed about here, from breast implants to fat kids. If there was a fuck-up in the US from 05 to now, it’s in this song. The next track is Want Sex & Violence (Suburbia’s It) . Not too advanced of a beat, but VERY easy to vibe to. It meshes nice with Jay. Unlike the previous track, WS&V doesn’t focus just on America, but Jay’s breeding grounds as a pre-teen, the Suburbs. During the end of the track, for a short moment Jay goes bezerk with his flows, I really like that to be honest. Next on the line-up is Paranoid 2007. This track is gonna be on repeat for me, reminds me a lot of some of Eminem’s shit, especially near the beginning:

“I wake up sweaty, all these people out to get me, so I sleep with a machete, ready to cut them into confetti”

CLASS FUCKIN’ LINE!

All around, the track revolves around the state of paranoia many people face, the beat is great, slick rhymes. Jay proves his worth as a dope MC here well, and if you don’t even have minimal respect for him after this song, then get the FUCK off this website for real. Track number five is Den of Rats, the bases of this track, Jay discussing how he believes the current government is basically shit, who doesn’t? He also presents this question; who do we want for president? The donkey or the elephant, the almost meaningless symbols of the Democratic and Republican parties. Not completely feelin it, but overall good shit. The next track, which opens the second chapter of the album “The Ego”, (the first chapter being “Superego”) is The Gift & The Curse. I’m REALLY feelin the beat as well as the lyrics of course. Right next to Paranoid, this HAS to be one of my favorite tracks, no doubt. Jay’s delivery’s so grimey and quick, the track is a mere two minutes. The next track is I’m All Over It. This track really makes you compare on how rap was years ago, and how it is today. Once again the beat is crisp, with a good vocal sample of another lyrically graced Jay, Jay-Z. Catchy-ass hook to go with a DOPE song. Lawyers Libretto is up next, describing the hard times a young lawyer must go through. Really diggin’ the piano inspired beat. At the end of the song, the whole tone of the track changes and Jay drops some knowledge for the lawyers who relate to the track. Here’s the end of the second chapter; Fuck the World. A real smooth song, nice beat, the synthesizer touch is great, as well as the guitar riffs. It’s as if Jay wants to get everything off his chest here, and it does him good. He’s bringing a class act track here. Another one of my favorites. As soon as I rip this to my laptop, this is gonna be on repeat for a LONG ass time, as well as a few others. Now this has got to be one of the most creative song titles in hip hop today, Skankapotamus is a rap telling the tale of one of Jay’s encounters with what else…a skank. Another funny comedy-driven storytelling track. Not as political as the other tracks, but it’s good to branch out. Who ever added the claps, whether it be Jay Deasel (producer) or Jay himself might’ve wanted t turn them down just a BIT. Up next is Sniff Row, definitely not a song you wanna let the kids hear, they’ll be sneaking into strip clubs and picking up hookers within seconds of hearing it. Really feelin the beat here, like the hook/chorus too. Jay gives a vivid explanation of what goes on in a strip club, so for all those married men who are too pussy to check out on yourself, sit back relax and dream to this. Day in My Life [a], one of the final closing tracks. Nice beat to ride to, the song gives another vivid image of a day in the life of Jay Eff Kay. The Eminem-like flow/delivery returns on this track, and I really like it. The next track is “Say It To My Face”. Within the first few seconds I’m already feelin it. A good finale track, who ever put the tracks in their order did a good job, it all flows together well. The final track comes; Day In My Life [b]. Like how to the track leaves right where it’s predecessor left off, the complete opposite of Outkast’s Tha Art of Storytellin Part One and Two. Where I really didn’t know what was going on.

Overall, I’m HIGHLY greatly to own this album, and be asked to review it. Great album throughout. The standout track HAS to be Paranoid 2007. Jay Eff Kay has a lot of talent, his style reminds me of Eminem before he went soppy, more like his early Slim Shady days, if Jay keeps it up he’ll make it in the game for sure.

If you choose to get the CD and HATE IT, don’t blame me, don’t blame Jay Eff Kay, blame the part of your brain which tells you right from wrong, cause this guys a beast. I’ll be waiting for Volume Two for sure.

Purchase the CD at: www.jayeffkay.com or I will hunt you down via IP Address and throw the CD at you.

But it’s for your own good.

Overall Rating:

Lyrics - 9.5/10, sometimes he sorta falls off, but as quick as he can deliver; he gets back on his grind.

Beats - 8/10, only a few are extremely good, the rest are pretty average. But Jay’s lyrics completely overshadow the beats.

BUY THE ALBUM!

:Debuting a new album, rapper 50 Cent played the Hippodrome Tuesday night in Springfield, Massachusetts. 50’s first appearance at the venue in 2004 ended in a brawl which left 3 females injured and others rolled out in stretchers.

I don’t feel burnt out, I just feel like I don’t wanna do it anymore, thats the first time I’ve ever told people publicly, but I’ve been feeling this way for a long time.”

The exact words of G-Unit rapper 50 Cent.

Don’t believe me, check out the video

LAS VEGAS - Sour grapes from Kanye West — again. Shut out at the Video Music Awards, Kanye West threw a tantrum Sunday night in front of media and crew backstage as the MTV show was ending.
ADVERTISEMENT West, waiting for an elevator in a crowded hallway, began yelling about losing all five categories for which he was nominated.“That’s two years in a row, man … give a black man a chance,” West said, stomping around his entourage and directing his comments at a reporter. “I’m trying hard man, I have the … number one record, man.”

West said he never will return to MTV.

The rapper was nomination for five awards, including male artist of the year. This is the latest in a series of awards show outburst for West. Last year, he crashed the stage at the MTV Europe Awards after not winning for best video.

 

Sad, but true. Maybe if Kanye selected a better single, he would’ve one a majority of the awards.

 ”I’ve been a very good sport, haven’t I this year?” - Kanye off his Barry Bonds track.

Somewhat true, he was starting out pretty calm…but he’s completely ruined it now. A shame…

Yes indeed, Nahh B has launched their own league on ESPN’s Fantasy Football. You can get extensive information on the main thread here.

Of course there’s a reward;

First Place Winner:Nahh B Premium Membership 

Second Place Winner: 9000 vbPlaza Points

Third Place Winner: 3500 vbPlaza Points

Any questions, just contact me.

That’s right, if you’re a gaming fan like me, you probably subscribed to Game Informer and you most likely have the September 2007 edition. If you turn to page 58, you’ll notice the graphic novel, . Check the rating out, all the little circles? Filled in all the way, which is obviously a good thing.

“The more cultured among us understand the graphic literature (yeah, we’re talking comic books) are a valid and influential form of art. For those who disagree, don’t be surprised  if someone walks up to you with a copy of Sentences and rubs your nose in it. Sentences is the autobiographical account of Percy Carter, otherwise known as MF Grimm, who rises into the hip hop scene just before falling into a wheelchair  and eventually lands in jail. This is truly an inspiring  tale of anyone’s time. Comic haters , you’ve been warned.”

- Game Informer’s take on Sentences

If you can’t tell by now, this seems like one helluva graphic novel. Pick it up for $19.99 off DC Comics.

That’s right,  The Wu’s back with a new track titled “Watch Your Mouth”. The banga’s produced by DJ Scratch and isn’t too bad. Only a warm  up track for me, future releases will be fire. Overall, I can sense that the old Wu has made a return.

Download:

 http://www.zshare.net/audio/3534154a673057/

Stumbled upon this picture a few minutes ago and had to post it. Noticed that Hova looked strangely slimmer than usual. B musta had him on Weight Watchers. But shit, I’d go fuckin’ anorexic for her, so it’s all good at the end of the day.

What you think about Jay’s new look? Drop a line in the comment box ya heard?

That’s right, we’ve acquired a download of 50 Cent’s latest album Curtis. It’ll be uploaded shortly to our download database at the forums. The full track listing and everything, on the downside, it’s the clean version. Look out for the download, cause it’ll be up in a few minutes.

Download  Here!

Despite the fact the album is still slated for a September 11th release, it was recently leaked, and I was one of the lucky many to be able to pick up a download. The next day, 50 Cent’s Curtis was also released, we got that one too. Anyway, lets start things off.

Track One - Good Morning (Intro):

Nice beat, good backing vocals. Kanye’s trademark style is showcased in the first verse nicely. Shit, you could hardly tell this is a intro. A good tunnel into the rest of the album to get the listener started. Nice vibe to it. Not a superb track, but still nice.

3.5/5

Track Two - Champion:

This has got to be one of my favorite tracks on this album. Feel good beat, with a nice sample. Kanye goes with beat smoothly and that adds some quality to it. The bridge was nicely done, good choir feel to me. One of my main gripes with it is the looped sample during the verse, sounding like “Aaron” annoyingly repeated over, and over. Overall, good shit to me. Should’ve really been a single.

4.5/5

Track Three - Stronger:

As stated by others, the drums were strengthened for the retail version of Stronger, which for me was a good addition, adds something nice to the track. Hasn’t been one of my favorite singles since its release, but it’s ok. The Daft Punk is sample is beast, lowering the pitch added to the track, though still it really seemed to be on the album to appeal to the commercial crowd.

3/5

Track Four - I Wonder:

This track is really slept on by some. The beginning sample is beautiful, as well as the beat. The thing that brings it down would be Kanye’s lyrics. A majority of his verses are one word per sentence. He redeemed himself at the end, with some sub-par lyrics. Alright track.

EDIT: After a second listen of the album, I’ve discovered that this track really grows on you. May be the most underrated track on the whole album. Almost angelic vibe throughout it. I’ve now bumped up the rating.

4/5 (was 3/5)

Track Five - Good Life:

Sigh…T-Pain. Though luckily he’s not to frequent on the track besides the hook and what not. The beat is nice, T-Pain recites some lyrics from Kanye’s first album. During Kanye’s first verse acceptingly bites off 50 Cent’s In Da Club:

Fifty told me “Go head switch ya style up” and if they hate then let em hat and watch the money pile up

This by some has been interpreted as Kanye stating he’s giving up good music for the money. By putting T-Pain on your track, you might as well. Lyrics ain’t too crisp, T-Pain’s Helicon voice gets annoying.

2.5/5 Sorry…

Track Six - Can’t Tell Me Nothing:

Another one of my favorites. Great beats, the vocals, which surprisingly aren’t sampled add a lot to the track. One of the premier tracks on Graduation, along with Champion, Everything I Am, and Big Brother. What do I need to say about the track, pure excellence to me, though definitely not the best on the album. Young Jeezy’s adlibs are sprinkled throughout the track, but adds a good deal to it.

4/5

Track Seven - Barry Bonds:

“It’s what you all been waiting for ain’t it?!” - Kanye West on Barry Bonds.

Fuck no, we haven’t been waiting for this since we heard it in August. The beat is nice, like all West productions. West’s lyrics are nice. The hook is alright. Strangely, West sounds a bit down syndrome-ish here. More than Wayne. Speaking of Wayne, he completely ruins the track. No not in a good way. “I’m so white not shay-deh” and “Suck mah back bitch”. Someone remove this kid from the hip hop premises. The weakest track on Graduation no doubt.

2/5

Another weak track…

Track Eight - Drunk and Hot Girls:

Catchy tune, but just no…The beat and samples are nice. Mos Def really wasn’t needed on it, just threw in a little excerpt and left. Nothing much really. What more can I say, it’s just egch.

2.5/5

Track Nine - Flashing Lights:

Finally a breathe of fresh air for the album after those two previous farts. Great beat (love the drums and strings), Kanye brings out some good lyrics IMO. I’m sad to say I slept on this track earlier. Dwele’s vocals = pure greatness for this track. He was on Common’s Finding Forever earlier, and shit I’ve been digging him. Great stuff for Kanye, he really redeemed himself.

4.5/5

Track Ten - Everything I Am:

Kanye just keeps bringing out the good shit one track after another. The beat is wonderful, didn’t notice the bass during earlier listenings, but that adds a lot to it now that I’m wearing headphones . DJ Premier’s scratches add more beauty to the production. ‘Ye did great on this track, a video for this would be dope, could imagine it in my head already. One of the best tracks on the album for sure.

4.5/5

Track Eleven - The Glory:

Alright beat, for some reason it reminds me of Stronger, slowed down, added strings and beats, minus Daft. The beat weighs Kanye down since he really shines for me on this track. The sample looping returns again, but it’s alright. Good track overall.

3.5/5

Track Twelve - Homecoming:

Sigh…Not feelin this at ALL. From what I’ve heard Kanye used practicly the same lyrics for a track called Home, only with John Legend instead of Chris Martin (the guy from Coldplay). The production was ok. I just can’t see how someone can say this is the greatest track on the album, though most of the people that say that have put 50 Cent over Nas on their favorite rapper list.

3/5

Track Thirteen - Big Brother:

Here it is…the finale. Every time I hear this I get chills. An ode to Kanye’s “big brother” Jay-Z. The beat is fire, all of Kanye’s excellence from our previous tracks, snowballed into this. This doesn’t make you wanna get up and dance, it makes you wanna sit down and just take it all in. Kanye really knows how to make some finale tracks, just take Last Call for example. This should be on everyones playlist for sure.

5/5

With that said, I gotta give this whole album a 4/5 . One of the best mainstream hip hop albums for 2007 in a while, right next to Finding Forever. Can’t touch his first two albums, but still some good shit. Nice album…real nice. Join the forums and download the album for yourself. All explicit my friend, nothing clean.

Don’t like what I said about the album? Have something you wanna say about it? Drop a comment.

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Now playing: Kanye West - Big Brother
via FoxyTunes

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Now playing: Kanye West - Good Morning (Intro)
via FoxyTunes

Yeah, discovered this while browsing Fiyah Muzik . Lil Scrappy has recently released a new track…utilizing Michael Jackson’s Beat It on the beat. Another sad day in hip hop. Not only has Scrappy ruined a great song but…Scrappy fuckin sucks. Anyway, here’s the link. Listen at your own risk people. I’m serious.

Props to Fiyah Muzik for the news.

Leave a comment - tell me what you think about the track, cause I hate the shit