Every time I see a Dame Dash story (”Dame’s broke”, “Dame hates Jay-Z”, “Dame caught wearing basketball shorts at a fashion show”) it honestly pains my heart. I remember when I used to watch BackStage: The Hard Knock Life Tour faithfully and draw my industry inspiration from him screaming on the FAT Kevin Liles while getting his haircut or when he issued that motivational speech to DJ Clue and his Desert Storm team on the tour bus. What happened to those days?? Oh I know, Jay got famous, married Beyonce and never looked back.

Of course, none of us will never know exactly what happened between the two, but I, for one, am concerned about Dame’s career. After reading this yesterday, it kind of dawned on me; Dame is, ummmm, struggling. Now if you followed Dame from his previous days in the industry, you know homey is about his business and that him & Hov created something special; immaculate even.

However, in recent years, Dame has struck out on numerous ventures. From his CEO clothing company and watch line to his Dame Dash Music Group imprint, Roc Films and his Ked Sneakers deal; Dame hasn’t seen a healthy check since the Blueprint (I think).

So after careful observation over the past 5-7 years, I’ve watched Dame run with the Roc (building and branding Jay-Z, Kanye West and Beanie Sigel), latch onto the Dipset camp (or what’s left of it) in hopes of building a similar but distinctive empire to pretty much become unsuccessful in several other ventures, it’s become quite clear Dame needs to regroup…or does he?

Him and Jay were obviously a GREAT team, but the money and the fame were to much to bare on both parties. Dash and Jimmy have a weird, but functional relationship, and whatever he’s doing, it’s SORT of working for the new leader of the Dipset Family. Clearly, I’m hinting towards the obvious, so let me get straight to the point; Should Dame Dash reunite with Jay-Z or should he keep his hustling Harlem ways and continue to push Jimmy’s career in the peculiar direction it’s heading in?

I’m torn. I mean, I like Jimmy and all, really I do, but nothing was more fun than watching Dame and Jay pour Crystal on honey dips during one of their private Yacht parties in which they happen to be filming a video for on some deserted Island I couldn’t pronounce at the time, lol. (See “Hey Papi” video).

Alright, I gave my two cents…..YOUR TURN! What do you think?

Sincerely

Low “I learned to be an As* hole from watching Dame Dash on Backstage” Key

It’s come to my attention that in the last 24 months, hip hop has become friendly; weird right? Not that I condone hip hop warfare, but it’s mind boggling how all of a sudden one minute two rivals are penning viscous responses and the next they’re recording songs together. Maybe it’s this recession we’re enduring or the fact that Sarah Palin doesn’t have the slightest clue as to what the Bush Doctrine is (so sad).

Regardless, rappers are making amends, and it’s happening at the speed of light. First, Jay and Nas kicked of the “Hip Homey” brigade by ceasing the peace at Power 105’s, I Declare War Concert. The two lyrical prophets graced the stage; hugging, kissing and rapping each other’s songs to the pleasure of 20,000 screaming hip hop advocates. After that, it was all down hill from there (in regards to hip hop beefs). Now, I’m not going to sit here and address each beef that was resolved in the last year and a half (Jada vs. 50 Cent, T.I. Vs. Shawty Lo, Ludacris vs. T.I. to name a few), but I will list the active beefs that still plague our mixtapes, radio shows and hood dvd’s.

Active “Beef” List

B.I.G vs 2Pac (Forever unresolved)

Jay-Z vs. Dame Dash

Dipset vs. Cam’ron

Ja Rule vs. 50 Cent

Fat Joe vs. 50 Cent

The Game vs. G-Unit

Young Buck vs. 50 Cent

Foxy Brown vs. Lil Ki

Remy Ma vs. Foxy Brown

Neyo vs. R.Kelly

R.Kelly vs. Jay-Z

T-Pain vs Unapproved Auto-Tune users

Soulja Boy vs. Ice T

Jermaine Dupri vs. Greg Street

 Alright, that’s all I could conjure up for the moment; however, your job is JUST getting started. If you had the chance to mend any of these “active” hip hop beef’s, which one would it be and why??? Yes, I know it’s Friday, but Summer hours are over, and I know most of you have about 3 hours left till you start your weekend…so get to work, lol!

Sincerely

Low “NO MORE DRAMA” Key