After 16 years in print, VIBE magazine, one of the biggest urban magazines ever, will no longer be in publication. Earlier this year due to the recession, the magazine begin to cut: employee hours, salaries, circulation, and frequency to try and survive the economic crisis. In addition to the recession, the magazine was also losing advertising. The staff and contributors were all very sad to receive the news but went out with pride.
Mase has stepped out of the church once again to return to the rap game. He has chosen to do this by making a remix to "Best I Ever Had," by Drake. He felt inspired to rap again, then he asked around about who the hottest new rapper was and Drake's name came up. From there he took it upon himself to craft a verse and record the remix. Last time we heard from Mase, he was counseling a newly released DMX on rap and religion. There has been no details on what inspired this sudden change of heart or where Mase plans to go from here.
Ok, this sucked majorly. The verse didn't flow well at all and Mase's delivery sounded very rushed. I do not think Drake should release this version of the remix. Besides that, what the hell is Mase doing anyways?! Negro either you gone rap or be a pastor. You can't do both and all this back sliding is unacceptable! This is Mase's third return to the game, he is being very hypocritical if you ask me. Also, he is disrespecting his congregation and the Lord. I think he just needs to give it up and go sit down some where. His time has been long gone, it's over homie! -MinM
Tru Life was indicted on murder charges according to reports and will remain locked up in Rikers Island. He is being held without bail and his official charges are: murder, assault, and weapons possession. Details released in regards to the situation have confirmed that this is indeed the murder that took place as a result of the stabbing that Tru's brother was suspected for. But his brother Marcus, whose name was finally unveiled, is not completely off the hook either. He and two other associates have turned themselves in as well and are being charged for joining in on the attack that Tru started. The older victim in this situation is still in critical condition at the hospital and so is Michael Slater, the alleged drug dealer, whose shooting caused all this to go down.
Well I was really hoping that Tru was clean on this one. He just seemed to have potential as a rapper and just like the guy to root for. Oh well, guess ish happens. I am glad his brother and the others turned themselves in too. It's good to see people taking responsibility for their actions. I'll keep looking out for further info. -MinM
As promised, here is the official video for "D.O.A." by Jay Z. I didn't do this last night because, I wanted to do some research and give you guys a more accurate review. So let's go ahead and dive in, shall we?
I did a video preview for this track a while back. So I decided doing a full review was a must. The production here has a medium bass, a clapping sound, and lots of little sound effects. Has a major club vibe going, it's a pretty hot piece. The hook is solid. The lyrics are fun and catchy, but the delivery is annoying. It's like the combo of a computer and a chipmunk voice. I think a normal voice should have been used. As is, it gets kind of annoying to listen to after a while. The verses are fire, Twista delivers his usual rapid and unique flow. Though the theme is typical, he still presents it in a clever way. The lyrics are sharp and well put together. Overall, I'd say this was definitely a banger. The more I hear from Twista, the more I anticipate his next album. Go ahead and check it out, could be the track that lights up your next Summer party. -MinM
Jay Z's "D.O.A." aka "Death Of Autotune," has been causing quite the ruckus since the first day it dropped. He doesn't seem to care though, as it seems he really is planning on dropping a video for it soon. So peep the clip of the future project below.
This looks a little strange to me but it could make for an interesting video. I definitely don't think it's going to be a typical or average joint. Also, Jigga looks a little rough with that hair, I'm gone need him to hit up a barber as soon as possible, lol! He got all that money, no need to look like a world class bum. I can understand if some rappers aren't into being flossy, but at least keep it clean fellas, come on! Anyways, there has been no word when the entire video will officially drop. Once it does though, I'll bring it back with a review. -MinM
I know no one really cares what 50 Cent has to say any more. However, I was curious to hear his feelings on Drake. After all, cats like our boy Drizzy are part of the reason 50 is falling fast to that irrelevant a** rappers category.
Michael Jackson has passed away today due to medical complicatons. He went into cardiac arrest at his California home. He was at his home when he stopped breathing and someone called the Los Angeles City Fire Department. Jackson had to receive CPR and was rushed to the hospital. He was rushed to UCLA Medical Center, where doctors did what they could. He slipped into a coma and was announced dead by doctors at around 3pm. He is survived by three children and of course we all know the Jackson family. He was 50 years old. No further information is available at this time.
I am not the biggest Jackson fan but my heart still goes out to him and his family. May he rest in peace and in honor of the fallen pop legend leave a comment with your fave Michael cut of all time. Mine is, "You Are Not Alone." -MinM
Not a huge Diddy fan on the music level. But I have an associate who is and he brought this to my attention. This is the first leak from Last Train To Paris. And I love it, a little different but it works. So big ups to Mike W. for the music tip! The production here is low, has a heavy bass, and very mellow vibe. I think it's hot, has a great feel to it. The hook is good too, a little hard to understand but the vocals are on point. The verses continue the heat in the song. Things kick off with a Biggie sample verse, than Diddy and Dawn Richards trade off for a while, and the track closes with another Biggie verse. Everyone's vocals were on point and the lyrics were well written and deep. Which shocks me cause I've never heard Diddy sing good at all. He has done alot of work on his vocals, I'm impressed. Overall, I'd say this one is a banger. If all of Last Train To Paris is like this, Diddy might be on to something. -MinM