Timbaland :: Timbaland Presents Shock Value II
Blackground Records/Interscope
Author: Steve 'Flash' Juon

"There are only a few producers out there in rap who can get away with putting their name on an album and be a bigger star than anyone rapping on their tracks. There are even fewer who can crossover from hardcore hip-hop heads to become a mainstream household name. There's only ONE who has scored chart-topping hits for Bubba Sparxxx, Justin Timberlake and Missy Elliott while still managing to get away with freestyling on their songs"

http://www.rapreviews.com/feature.html

Blee :: The Black Lion Chronicles Chapter 2: Respect Your Legacy :: Cross Seas Entertainment
as reviewed by Emanuel Wallace

"The press release included with this album addressed my initial question of "Who the hell is Blee?" As it turns out, Blee is actually an acronym for Black Lion of Eternal Excellence. The name was bestowed upon him by his father and it has stuck with him. He's lived in a few places that range from the Caribbean to Canada to the UK, and as a result, Blee's music is a mixture of Caribbean swagger, the passion of the American hustle, and a slight touch of the British die-hard attitude...or at least that's what the press kit says."

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_12_blacklionchapter2.html

Chokeules :: Hypergraphia :: Dehsloot Productions/Backburner Recordings
as reviewed by Steve 'Flash' Juon

"Ladle Rat Rotten Hoot? Dehs loot eht, n the tool shed. Confuzzled? No probalo. Like Chokules I'm playing games with the printed word. Hypergraphia can be writing sentences that can be read as palindromes, or converting words into phonetic similars, such as Ladle Rat Rotten Hoot sounding like "Little Red Riding Hood" with an accent if you read it out loud. It also doesn't have to be anything of these things - it can simply be an obsession with writing. Chokeules claims to suffer from this syndrome on this full length LP, but it's far from a debut musically. Perform Chokules has, Aceyalone with, Lootpack with, the Dude Devin with, the Sensei El with, Canada and stages United States on. This album shows Chokeules is experienced in hip-hop and ready to play word games with the listeners worldwide on a 14 song CD."

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_12_hypergraphia.html

Kam Moye :: Splitting Image :: MYX Music Label
as reviewed by Eric Sirota

"Still, like 25th Hour, the work is first and foremost about the struggles of its protagonist. KM discusses himself with a well-rounded honesty nearly without parallel. On "Give Out, Give In," over a lonely, minimalist jazz-beat, the MC finds a remarkable middle ground between emo and uplifting in an authentic and vulnerable discussion of his "ten year bout" with depression. Concededly, our b-boy speaks well of himself a great deal, but instead of engaging in bland self-aggrandizement, he portrays himself as an adult who has been battling with himself for years and is finally winning. Lines like "I feel reborn like a Christian basking in holy water/I feel reformed like a prisoner free holding his daughter," speak to a genuine and gradually developed self-esteem, not an over-compensating machismo."

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_12_splittingimage.html

Kottonmouth Kings :: Hidden Stash 420 :: Suburban Noize Records
as reviewed by Emanuel Wallace

"For over ten years, the Kottonmouth Kings have been ignored by most mainstream media outlets while continuing to release album after album. In the process, their fan base has continued to flourish and grow, much like the pot and mushrooms they openly indulging in. A common belief is that marijuana usage expands the mind and allows for more creativity. With the Kings, I'll take that as the truth due to the fact that it has been quite a while since the Kings released an album that didn't have at least twenty tracks on it. Just a year after the release of "The Green Album", the Kings return with the fourth installment of their popular "Hidden Stash" compilations. This particular joint (pun intended) consists of forty tracks, split between two discs, and features guest appearances from the likes of Tech N9ne, X-Clan and Potluck."

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_12_hiddenstash420.html

The Leathers :: The Leathers :: Easy Tiger Records
as reviewed by Steve 'Flash' Juon

"Having first been introduced to Atherton almost a year ago to the date of this review, I was pleasantly surprised to learn of his new group The Leathers. While Ath is certainly dope enough to hold down any project on the solo tip, collaboration is definitely where it's at in 2009, so I can't fault him linking up with a like-minded artist named PBRAIN to drop a group album. Their self-titled debut is described as an EP, but at ten songs long it's a little more than what I usually think of as an extended play - yet simultaneously a little less than what I think of as a long player. Perhaps that just goes to show how outdated these terms are as vinyl holdovers in a largely digital age, even though neither this reviewer nor either of the artists on it would knock the value of wax to hip-hop."

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_12_theleathers.html

Nomak :: Calm :: Huge Soul Records
as reviewed by Steve 'Flash' Juon

"Let it be said that Nomak's "Calm" was a fine choice to represent for the Japanese hip-hop sound. Unfortunately I can't give you much in the way of biographical info about this producer - he's got a MySpace page with no bio and a personal website with a bio painted in kanji that I can't even cut and paste to translate. My apologies to the artist and/or his fans. So instead of telling you what I can't, here's what I can say about Nomak - "Calm" is a very fitting name for this beautiful album. If you can picture yourself at a hanami (cherry blossom) festival, enjoying the tranquil beauty of nature and taking in the mono no aware of it all (the ephemeral and transcendent nature of life) all while listening to shakuhachi set to a smooth hip-hop beat, then you've got the very essence of Nomak down before even listening to "Calm.""

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_12_nomakcalm.html

Snoop Dogg :: Malice N Wonderland :: Priority/Capitol Records
as reviewed by Steve 'Flash' Juon

"The 2-1-3's own "Top Dogg" of hip-hop is virtually synonymous with hip-hop at this point. He's fought the law AND won, he's got more platinum on his walls than Paul Wall has in his mouth and he's loved everywhere from the East coast to the Dirty South. At this point Snoop Dogg has only one enemy who can disrupt his career - himself. His iconic status and name recognition could carry even a mediocre album to the kind of sales most artists dream about, so if Calvin Broadus just said "fuck it" and phoned it in with no enthusiasm he'd still win anyway. Artists who reach that level have to carefully check themselves to make sure they're peaking creatively and still staying relevant to their loyal audience who has been down since day one."

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_12_malicenwonderland.html

Thundamentals :: Sleeping On Your Style :: Obese Records
as reviewed by Patrick Taylor

"Steve 'Flash' Juon made a pretty convincing argument for Aussie hip-hop while reviewing Illy, and I've reviewed a handful of Aussie hip hop albums myself, so I won't spend too much time defending the genre. From the few acts I've encountered on Obese Records, namely Drapht, I know that they specialize in more positive, conscious hip hop. Thundamentals fit that category. Comprised of DJ Morgs, Tommy Fiasko, Jeswon, and Tuka, the group's eponymous EP was named "Best EP of the 2008" by Ozhiphopa.com. After listening to their debut LP, "Sleeping On Your Style," it's not hard to see what people got excited about."

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_12_sleepingonyourstyle.html

Welcome back for another new edition of Hip-Hop Shop! On Episode 59 - The Remix we feature new takes on songs you may already know by Random, Bisco Smith, El Michels Affair and more! If you would like to sponsor Hip-Hop Shop please send an e-mail to dj.flash@rapreviews.com for more information. Hip-Hop Shop features podsafe music, so distribute the show and tell your friends to check us out every week at RapReviews.com! Special thanks to Odin Smith Labs for providing background music for our show.

Download Here (right click to save)

Tracks featured this week:

* Sandpeople f/ El Michels Affair - Can It All Be So Simple (Remix)
* V!rtu f/ Mad Skillz - Back Pack So Well (ePZ Remix)
* Random f/ Mr. Miranda, Pennywise - Worst I Ever Heard (AZ Remix)
* Bisco Smith - Freshwater (Blockhead Remix)
* Del f/ El Michels Affairs - Bring Da Ruckus (Remix)
* Diamond District - I Mean Business (yU Remix)
* DJ Food - All Covered in Darkness (Mr. P Remix)

From Dunn Deal PR:

Mazzi of SOUL Purpose presents "Peace In The Middle East Pt. 1"... hip-hop in Palestine, Israel and Egypt

video at http://www.bestofbothoffices.com/2009/12/16/mazzi-peace-in-the-middle-east/ .
 

Mazzi, Sneakas, & Waleed Coyote present: Peace In The Middle East, Part 1

Both Palestinian & Israeli artists share the language of Hip Hop in the time of war...

ALL proceeds of this documentary & upcoming EP are going to childrens' charities...

 
 
learn more about S.O.U.L. Purpose at www.soulpurposecrew.com .

From Nancy B:

Houston, TX - Wanting to end a successful career year by giving back to the needy in his beloved community, Trae Tha Truth, spent his weekend playing Santa to many of his city's needier constituents. His first stop was an appearance at Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's 15 Annual Christmas Party, where he handed out toys, signed autographs and took pictures with the thousands of kids in attendance.

Trae ended that afternoon on a high note by buying out the ice-cream truck that was parked outside so that all departing children received a treat as they left.

Trae's next stop was the Community of Faith Church in North Houston, where he was joined by SDS members, JDawg, Mugg and Clarence. The guys helped church leader, Pastor Dixon, distribute lots of Christmas cheer in the form of toys and 5,000 pairs of shoes to those in need.

Trae ended his day with the Tiara Foundation which benefits children who are terminally ill, confined to wheelchairs or have parents afflicted with AIDS. Reindeer being somewhat thin on the ground in Houston, this Santa arrived ABN-style; on candy paint, just as you'd expect a loc-wearing Santa to do. There Trae helped Founder, Olivia West, make a lot of very brave kids' last wishes come true.

"Just being able to be a part of that experience was a blessing for me." Trae said of his time with the children. "Being there with those kids had me forget about a reputation, an image or any part of being an entertainer. I was just proud to be there. I recommend a lot of people do the same when it comes to tha less fortunate and remember, it's always somebody out there doing worst than me and you.............."

...and they heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight, Merry Christmas Houston and may your 2010 be bright!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Okay, YOU try to think of a better rhyme!!)

From K-Murdock:

I have officially begun a new guest-blogging venture over on "The Couch Sessions", along with my homegirl/fellow Subsoniq contributor Monica aka "Gangsta Mittens", aptly titled "Mittens & Murdock".  This recurring monthly feature showcases (us) two very opinionated individuals commenting on all things pop-culture related, but with a progressive hip hop-minded slant.  So, as way to demo what readers will be getting beginning next month, we decided to dole out some handy last-minute Xmas gift ideas...  Check the link and leave us some feedback (please)!

From Tasha Stoute at Strongarm Media: 

THE MACK GETS SIDE SWIPED BY MACK TRUCK

(Philadelphia, PA- Dec. 21, 2009) Saturday, December 19th rapper Beanie Sigel was leaving a Baltimore studio and was side swiped by a tractor trailer on I-95 that fled the scene. The vehicle that Sigel was traveling in was totaled and he escaped with several injuries to his face,  arms and legs.

Bruised, battered, scarred but hard, Sigel declined hospital treatment and miraculously performed the next day in Norfolk, VA and is tentatively scheduled to go on an up coming  tour with 50 Cent in 2010.

I guess it's safe to say that the Mack is built Ford tough!

If you haven't already checked our Hurricane Chris interview, feel free to do so before you read this press release from his record label.

Hurricane Chris is Unleashed! New Album December 22
Top 10 R&B/Hip Hop Single "Headboard" Ft. Mario and Plies
Sophomore Album Unleashed on Polo Grounds Music/J Records

New York, NY -- When Hurricane Chris hit the scene in 2007 with his Top 10 hit single "A Bay Bay," he opened the world up to the "ratchet" sound of his hometown Shreveport, Louisiana. His new single "Headboard" featuring Mario and Plies has shown fans a different side of the young rapper, all leading up to the release of his Polo Grounds Music/J Records sophomore album Unleashed on December 22, 2009.

Touting appearances from Beenie Man, Mario, Bobby V, Plies, Cherish and Superstarr, Unleashed has been a work in progress for Hurricane Chris. Production on the album includes tracks from Shawty Red, Play N Skillz, Don Vito and The Inkredibles amongst other amazing talent.

The idea behind the album title is pretty straight forward, as Hurricane explains: "You’re going to be held back in a lot of minor ways. Now I’m unleashed. I’m off the collar. I’m off the chain. I’m not held back by anything anymore."

The media has championed the young MC, realizing that there is more to him than meets the eye. "Hurricane Chris can no longer be looked at simply as a radio rapper," wrote Eric Perrin of Ozone Magazine in their July 2009 issue."He has gotten to the point where his lyrical prowess, uncanny freestyling ability, and knack for creating club bangers is undeniable - even his biggest critics can't argue with the fact that HC has talent."

Needless to say, Polo Grounds Music President Bryan Leach is thrilled with the young star's second release on the label: "It's been a journey to see Hurricane go from where he was when Mr. ColliPark bought him to Polo Grounds as a 17-year-old freshman to where he is now, entering into his sophomore album. Letting him find himself through this album was important to Hurricane, and I hope the fans enjoy the ride. He's still so young, and has a huge career in front of him."

With over 3.5 million combined ringtones and downloads for "A Bay Bay," and his second single "Hand Clap" certified Gold, the young lyricist's debut album 51/50 Rachet made quite an impression on fans. 2009 has also proven to be an exciting year for Hurricane Chris as he gears up for the release of Unleashed.

In early 2009, Hurricane Chris returned in a big way with another hit single, "Halle Berry (She's Fine)," which hit #7 on both the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs and Hot Rap Tracks Charts. In March, Ellen DeGeneres and Oscar winner Halle Berry made up their own dances to "Halle Berry (She's Fine)" on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, resulting in a YouTube video that received over 330k views in its first week. To date, the video has received nearly 1.6 million views, and became the #3 most watched in the Music category, #23 overall.

Along with astounding radio play reaching over 56 million listeners, there have been several career moves that have positively impacted Hurricane Chris' ability to reach fans. Between albums, he toured with Chris Brown, Soulja Boy, Bow Wow and Sean Kingston on the Chris Brown tour. The demand for his unique style led to collaborations with various stars, including Mike Jones on "Drop N Gimme 50" and with Chris Brown and Bow Wow on "Picture Perfect."

Despite formidable successes so early in his life, Hurricane Chris stays focused on giving back to his community and advancing his entrepreneurial opportunities. He started a foundation aimed at helping his community, and has facilitated giveaways to hundreds of people during the holidays. Chris and his mother have delved into real estate, and he also launched the Helsman sneaker in affiliation with FILA, selling over 400,000 pairs nationwide.

For more information, go to www.Tygereye.net/HurricaneChris, www.HurricaneChrisOnline.com, www.Myspace.com/Hurricane and www.StillAboutMusic.com .

Unleashed album track list

01. I’m Back - prod. by Shawty Red
02. Beat It Out The Frame - prod. by Phunk Dawg
03. Halle Berry (She’s Fine) ft. Superstarr - prod. by Play N Skillz, Q Smith & Superstarr
04. Coke Bottle ft. Mouse - prod. by Mouse
05. Headboard ft. Mario & Plies - prod. by The Inkredibles
06. Last Call ft. Bobby V - prod. by prod. by Rodnae
07. I Want It ft. Fiend 4 Da Money - prod. by Fiend Crack Alley Music
08. Secret Lover ft. Cherish - prod. by Don Vito
09. No Worries ft. Beenie Man - prod. by Don Vito
10. Hot Like Lava - prod. by Raphael RJ2
*iTunes pre-order bonus track: Touch Bases ft. Bobby V

From Audible Treats:

Battery Records Signs Rapper D.C. Don Juan / Video Premiere      12.21.2009
Freshly Signed D.C. Rap Star Releases Video For Hit Single, "Lookie Looky"

(Brooklyn, NY- December 21, 2009) Battery Records has signed Washington, DC based rapper, D.C. Don Juan. The label is set to launch his first single, "Lookie Looky," and is now proud to release the official video for the song.

Neil Levine, GM and Senior Vice President of Battery Records, states, "D.C. Don Juan is a rare and distinct talent who appeals to a broad audience. His first single 'Lookie Looky' has an incredibly innovative video with an extremely strong hook. We are eager to develop his considerable potential and to make him a full-fledged star."

D.C. Don Juan states, "I've worked hard to get this point and I've proven myself. I plan to raise the bar. The possibilities are endless with Nu Entertainment and Battery behind me."

The 23 year-old Bronx-born rapper Maurice Campbell moved with his family to Washington, DC. when he was 12. A prolific artist who has recorded over 4,000 songs during the course of his eight-year career, he channels the harshness of urban street life into hip-hop developing his persona as D.C. Don Juan.

His vantage point was broadened with time spent in different regions of the country. In 2004, he moved to Denver where he was squarely on the Denver Nuggets team radar, playing in the Allen Iverson celebrity game and recording in Dermarr Johnson's studio. He moved onto Atlanta in 2006 to collaborate with Polow Da Don and Boo, and it was there that he caught the eye of Nu Entertainment CEO Reggie "Big Reg" Turner, who promptly signed him, leading to his recent signing with Battery Records.

Battery Records is an imprint under Sony Music Entertainment's RCA/JIVE Label Group umbrella formed in July 2008 to develop and nurture young urban hip hop talent, in an age where such development is more crucial and necessary than ever. Under the leadership of industry veteran Neil Levine, Battery's mission is to uncover and cultivate organic young talent, thereby creating an indispensable niche in the marketplace.

"Lookie Looky" Official video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIb7Qz-rGTU .
Audio stream: http://release.theplatform.com/content.select?pid=YI3DwQpKAtvwx0evShnKDL9x97GZwsjH&amp .

Streams:

"Lookie Looky":
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIb7Qz-rGTU *
* http://release.theplatform.com/content.select?pid=YI3DwQpKAtvwx0evShnKDL9x97GZwsjH&amp *

Twitter:
* http://twitter.com/IamDonJuan *

MySpace:
* http://www.myspace.com/mostjuanted *

Facebook:
* http://www.facebook.com/pages/Don-Juan-Weezie/54418263614 *

Label Site:
* http://www.batteryrecords.net *

Hailing from the small town of Dallas Center, Iowa, Coolzey’s life story is an interesting one. How else would you describe a life that has involved a headlock on MC Paul Barman, a tour with Vanilla Ice, and a friendship with Sadat X? Over the past few years Coolzey’s work has been showing up on my desk pretty regularly. This is due, in large part, to his love of the EP format. It’s a love that stems from a dream that he’ll one day be able to release all of his work on vinyl. This week I caught up with Coolzey to find out more about his wild ride, what went into the making of his upcoming EP, The Honey, and where you can find him with Fred "The Hammer" Williamson.

Read the full interview at:  http://adambernard.blogspot.com/2009/12/artist-of-week-coolzey.html

The hip-hop scene here in Connecticut made some impressive strides in 2009 — the kind of strides that can help provide a strong foundation to grow from as long as they’re utilized correctly and built upon throughout 2010.

Read the full story at FairfieldWeekly.com.