The King of All Fashion Shows Is Here!

Since Fashion Week has come to an official close, it’s only right that we (BET) end it off with an impeccable amount of Black Star Power. I can’t reveal too much about the show because of the powers that be hovering over my fitted cap, but I can tell you T.I., The Dream, Fabolous, Mavado, Keri Hilson, Busta Rhymes, Ron Browz made this year’s show unforgettable.

I really hate doing blogs where I can’t reveal too much information about the show I actually attended, but have no fear, I got some incredible backstage footage/interviews with Bobby V, Young Steff, Pleasure P, Maino, Young Dro, L.A., Ron Browz, Natasha and Mavado, so make sure you check back later this week for the clips. Oh, and if you attended BET’s Rip The Runway, hit up the comments section and tell me your favorite part of the show.

Rip The Runway takes off March 2nd at 9pm on BET. TUNE IN!

Sincerely

Low “I think I have what it takes to make it as a model, lol” Key

Bobby V backstage during BET’s, Rip The Runway

Allhiphop.Com founder, Chuck Creekmur and Danity Kane’s, Dawn Richard kick it backstage during BET’s, Rip The Runway.

Atlanta songbird, Keri Hilson, gets caught by the flashing lights before performing at BET’s, Rip The Runway.

Choreographer, Lorianne Gibson and music producer, Michael Bivins share a couple laughs during BET’s, Rip The Runway.

The Dream is gearing up to release his new album, Love Vs. Money on March 10th featuring Kayne West, Rick Ross, Juelz Santana, Ludacris, Mariah Carey and Fabolous.

Even though they just released the video to Rockin That Thing, they’re already prepping the remix video to “Rocking That Thing” featuring Rick Ross, Ludacris, Fabolous and Juelz Santana. And OH YES, your boy will be on hand.

Until then, enjoy these visuals because I sure as hell did.

Sincerely

Low “Can’t wait to hear this in the club tonite” Key

The Dream- Rocking That Thang

Neyo and Fab show the us how they do!

Everytime I run into either Neyo or Fab, I always make it a point to discuss the joint album they’re secretly working. And each time, I get the same response, “We’re still talking about it” or “We’re trying to fit in our schedules”…riiiiight! What they really mean is, “We’re discreetly working on it and when we do finish it, the album’s going to be a problem”

Regardless, the two have great synergy. “Make Me Better” was a no brainer, “She Got Her Own(Miss Independent Rmx)” is easily one of the better remixes of 2008 and “How I Do” (the song you’re about to download) speaks to every single man who’s looking to swig swag (have fun, lol) anywhere he lays his fitted cap.

Don’t ask where this came from or what album it’s going to be on, because I have the slightest clue.

Neyo ft. Fabolous- How I Do

Love It, Like It or Leave It????

Sincerely

Low “I wonder what an album from Neyo and Fab would actually sound like??” Key

Doing things the regular way, for some odd reason, just doesn’t appease me. I had ample amounts of time to retrieve a Power 105.1, Powerhouse Concert ticket, but yet and still, I waited till the last minute to begin my quest for one, go figure. Anyway, to make a long story short, I obtained a ticket from one of the Clear Channel’s head honchos (THANKS Josefa) who received my last minute ticket plea from one of the Power 105 DJ’s….AWESOME!

I hit the venue around 7:10 after an eventful excursion from the train station to the actual arena. Get off here, climb these steps, do 12 push-ups; I felt like I was training for the Navy with the scavenger hunt they sent me on. DJ clue warmed the crowd up with some home town hits before Yonkers representatives, D-Block, hit the stage. Though it was insanely obvious the trio needed a bit of stage coaching, they did have a grand time reintroducing the tri-state area to an array of hits. “Wild Out”, Good Love”, “All About The Benjamin’s”, “Blow My Mind” all took turns terrorizing the sound system (in a good way) while the audience rapped line for line for a majority of the set.

As Jada begun to initiate the the introduction to his new single,” By My Side”, the sound man, obviously instructed, cut Jada’s mic and the lights before he could even spew a lyric. No remorse for them D-Block Boys; the show must go on. Neyo, the only R&B act on the heavily infested hip hop bill, held his own for the 45 (seemed longer) minutes he was on stage. Surprisingly, Neyo filled his set with surprise guest after surprise guest. First, he let Jada get his rocks off with “By My Side”, and then he pulled Plies out his hat to perform, “Bust It Baby” Pt.2. Assuming the crowd thought he was finished, heasserted, “We ain’t done yet” which was obviously the cue for Brooklyn’s own, Fabolous to hit the stage for a short, but sweet version of “Make Me Better”. Of course covering his own hits (”Because of You”, “Sexy Love”, “Nobody”, “Miss Independent” and “Closer”) Neyo played the Gangsta and The Gentlemen roles quite well.

Since The Martian jumped ship the previous night for Boston’s, Powerhouse Concert (Lil Wayne hearts Metal Detectors part 90) the rumor mill was buzzing on whether or not Daddy Carter would actually show. According to several reliable sources, Weezy also missed sound check earlier in the day. I’m assuming since the Tri-State Area doesn’t give a rats ass about how many records you sell in a week, Wayne made SURE he was front center come show time. While I do enjoy bits and pieces of Mr. Carter’s material, his stage show just isn’t one those bits or pieces.

The heavily rock influenced set did its justice and injustice to Wayne’s tracks all in the same breath. I get the rock star ambiance, but it sounds like Wayne and The Carters need to polish up their stage performance. “Mr. Carter” sans Jay-Z and “Got Money” sans T-Pain lacked in energy, but the Tri-State ate it up regardless. “Fireman” recaptured wandering minds (including mine), but went astray during his floor crawling experience throughout, “Lollipop”. He then strapped on his guitar and proceeded to do what rockers do; look down at his apparatus and make awkward faces as if it was straining each and every brain cell to play the damn thing.

He covered several more Carter 3 joints (“Ms. Officer” w/Bobby V, “Misunderstood”, “C3” and “Shoot Me Down” and even brought out his pappy for a quick “Pop Bottles” verse. “A Milli” ended things off, but not to be outdone by his Whitney Houston rendition of “I Will Always Love You”. *DONTFL* (Dead On The Floor Laughing).

The REAL Mr. Carter took to the stage and captured the attention of all from JUMP. If you’ve been to a Jay-Z outing in the past 12 months, you pretty much know his stage set how like the back of your hand. But if you’re a true fan and just enjoy his presence and music, none of that should really matter because it’ll still feel like it’s your very first Jay-Z experience.

Crowd favorites like “Lucifer”, “Song Cry” “Blue Magic”, “Can I Live”, “Pray” “Can I Get A” and “Jigga My Ni&&a” easily entertained, but “PSA”, “You Don’t Know”, “Show Me What You Got”, “Swagga Like Us”, “Roc Boys, “Excuse Me Miss”, “99 Problems” “Encore” and “Do My” simply set the stadium ablaze.

Like I said, frequent Jay-Z shows and you’ll have his stage experience down to a T, which is why when he slid over to DJ AM’s computer to run through the 3565654656 hits he forgot to demolish, we all knew Beyonce wasn’t too far behind. And like clock work, “Bonnie and Clyde” leaked through speakers followed by “Crazy In Love”, which led up to Beyonce cat walking from the back for an impromptu (not really) performance of “Single Ladies”.

D-Block, Neyo, Fab, Jay, Beyonce….I think I’m good for another 30 days.

For more exclusive, official footage from last nights show, slide over to the Power 105 residence,( Free and Lil Wayne talk about his new son, and missing several shows) they got you covered. But if you don’t feel like navigating, scroll down, I captured some show footage, GUERILLA STYLE!

Sincerely

Low “It never gets old” Key

Kid Capri gets the party started at Power 105’s Powerhouse Concert Neyo hits the stage at Power 105.1’s, Powerhouse Concert

Neyo brings out Plies to perform, “Bust It Baby Pt.2” at Power 105’s, Powerhouse Concert

Neyo brings out Fabolous to perform, “Make Me Better” at Power 105’s, Powerhouse Concert

Lil Wayne performs, “Mr. Carter” at Power 105’s, Powerhouse Concert last night at the Izod Center in New Jersey

Powerhouse welcomes Jay-Z to the stage

Jay- Z performs his verse from “Swagger Like Us” at Power 105’s Powerhouse Concert at the Izod Center in New Jersey

Jay- Z and DJ AM run through about 12 hit Jay- Z records in a game they like to call, “F That”

Ladies, Trey Songz and Fabolous want your number, NOW! It’s songs like these that bring back a series of vivid and and fun club experiences that resulted with the final commentary being the same as this song title. Unsure of whether or not this tune is from an upcoming project, I can tell you the original track hit the internets around July.

Not to say this is first single status, but this just might start the engine in the “Trey Songz is gearing up for a new album” vehicle. Fab also does an exceptional job of divulging into the play by play of what actually happens when the target is spotted (No, I’m not sexist because females do this as well).

Trey Songz ft. Fabolous- In Ya Phone (Rmx)

Like It, Love It or Leave It?????

Sincerely

Low “Classic line, ‘You had a couple shots, you might store me in as Patron’ “Key

As of late, the duo is constructing hits for DC hip hop rookie, Wale, Fabolous, Busta Rhymes, and a flurry of others. Last week, I had the pleasure of sitting in on one of their creative sessions for my new segment, “Studio Sessions”. Since LowKey used to dibble and dabble on the production side of hip hop, I found this studio visit extremely exciting. Seeing them create magic on the spot reminded me why making beats was so much fun.

Remember, Studio Sessions will FREQUENT the pages of SoundOff. If you’re a fan of hip hop production and how it’s conceived, Studio Sessions is the perfect spot for you.

Big shouts to Young Sav for the access, and of course, Sean C and LV for letting me capture some incredible footage!

Sincerely

Low “If this writing thing doesn’t work out, check a couple album credits in 2009, you just might see my nam, lol” Key

Studio Sessions: Sean C & LV (Grind Music)

B.Fleezy aka Breezy aka I Got Opinions About Opinions is BAAAAAACCCK!

This past summer I promised myself that I would never ever (ever, ever) use the word “swagger” again. Like so many other terms in black vernacular, it seemed swagger had literally took on a life of its own. I was fed up. People were no longer being judged on the content of their character, but instead on how much swag they had.

It all reminded me of the final scene in Juice when Omar Epps’ character is told “you got the juice now.” Swagger is “the juice” version 2008 and everyone ( and they momma) thinks they have it. Now I admit, I have used the “s” word once or twice. Upon seeing a guy that by all standards is not attractive, I have said things such as “ yeah his eye is kind of lazy, but he has swag.” So when I made the resolution to retire the term, it was in many ways, the first step to recovery.

I admitted I had a problem, and I vowed to fix it. And then something happened. The track Swagger Like Us happened. T.I., Kanye, Jay-Z and Lil’ Wayne happened. Sampling a line from M.I.A’s Paper Planes, this hip-hop quartet makes a seemingly undeniable claim in one of the hottest songs this fall- no one has swagger like them. Of course Jim Jones would beg to differ, but I’m really more interested in what you think.

Who, in the music industry, has the most swagger? I know.. I know.. by asking this question I am perpetuating usage of the word, but hey- if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Swag on playa… swag on.

Sincerely

B “The word has now been laid to rest” Fleezy

“Stop This World”, which is on his third solo Lp, Year of the Gentlemen, can EASILY catapult one’s mind frame into that of a dangerously romantic one. Sh*t, I’m even sitting here pondering the last 24 hours I actually shared the same sentiments about another person. Don’t you just love it when someone takes you to that level and you have no control over that specific emotion so you have no choice but to rock with the chain of events until you fall INCREDIBLY hard on the front of your tooth? Ahhhhhh, it’s nothing like new love (sue me, I’m a hopeless romantic).

Anyway, enough of my sniveling….take 4 minutes and 24 seconds out of your life and tell me how much you miss/want/need that fresh love in your life (hopeless romantic x2).

Neyo- Stop This World

Like it, Love it or Leave It?????

Sincerely

Low “Damn you, Neyo…..DAMN YOU” Key

P.S. Here’s a BONUS treat for ya……

Neyo ft. Jamie Foxx & Fabolous- She Got It (Miss Independent Rmx) 

Cipha Sounds and Peter Rosenberg from NYC’s HOT 97 tamed the antsy audience with some throwback tunage while Jeezy and the CTE family prepped for the show backstage. What amazed me even more is that before the lights turned off, some knucklehead next to me had the NERVE to roll some herbal refreshments. Mind you, it was bright as ALL OUTSIDE while he attempted the task. However, to his dismay, a young but brolic looking female appeared within seconds sporting a stern look that read, “Put that foolery down, or I’m going to make an example out of you in the next 5 mintues”. Shorty could’ve EASILY passed as a former correctional officer on Riker’s Island.

As the lights disappeared, Sean Pecas (VP of Def Jam Promotion) gave the “OK” for Cipha to introduce Jeezy to the masses; SHOWTIME! Draped in a black Harley Davidson bullet proof vest, a black bandanna under his A-Town fitted, Jeezy emerged from the circle of CTE affiliates standing on stage and got straight to work. The introduction to “J.E.E.Z.Y”, a cut from his sophomore set, Thug Motivation 102, leaked through the Blender speakers with such intensity as Young Jizzle stood front and center. “Jeezy at the trap, Jeezy like to grind/Jeezy bout his paper, cause Jeezy like to shine” A-Town’s number one trapper rapped.

Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve never seen a southern artist come to NYC and control an entire audience like Jeezy did last night. Sliding through countless underground and mainstream hits, Jizzle attacked DJ Khaled’s “I’m So Hood” with so much fury, I thought for a split second that maybe, just for a minute, I was from the hood (but it’s PAINFULLY obvious that I’m not, lol). Things got ignorant when a brief brawl broke out 10 feet to the right of me. At first I thought, “Hey look, a hip hop mosh pit”. But that quickly changed when I saw some dude covering himself and his female counterpart. Jeezy looked, smirked, and kept it movin.

“I heard if you don’t bring mothafu*az out in New York, you ain’t sh*t,” Jeezy uttered. I pointed my apparatus towards the stage and put my trigger finger on the record button. He even joked, “What you say Kanye?”……”What was that Jay?” But of course, neither one appeared. Instead, Jeezy took us on a mini Brooklyn excursion as he brought out, Fabolous, Maino and I’ll be GOD DAMNED, Lil Kim. Each of Brooklyn’s hip hop representatives performed a quick diddy from their respective catalogues, but it was Lil Kim’s appearance and performance that received the most praise.

Tackling even more joints, Jeezy still had some ammo under his sleeves. “I Luv It”, “Go Crazy”, and his remix verse to Shawty Lo’s “Dey Know” were easily crowd favorites. Hell, the crowd was so excited, somebody hurled a cup full of either water or alcohol (I can’t believe someone would waste that much liquor, lol) towards the stage which missed Jeezy by several inches. At that particular moment, I thought to myself, “I didn’t even say goodbye to my sister because for some reason, it’ll be me who’s pegged as the liquid throwing culprit, which then, I’ll be dragged out unconscious”.

All and all, the show was dope and everyone walked out satisfied. Oh and for that tool that asked me that question, I hope you’re reading this because this is EXACTLY why I attended Jeezy’s Blender Theater show. Pics below…..

Sincerely

Low “(Young Jeezy voice)Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmm” Key

Hot 97’s Peter Rosenberg and Cipha Sounds prep the NYC crowd for Young Jeezy…

Young Jeezy gets in during his Blender Theater performance…..

Maino waves to all the haters at Blender Theater….

Young Jeezy and Lil Kim share the stage at Blender Theater…..

Alright, so check this out, one of those 4 individuals has a song coming out in the following months with an IMMACULATE all-star line up that’s going to blow EVERY collaboration out the water, TRUST ME WHEN I tell you this. Now of course, I’ve been sworn to secrecy in regards to posting the track’s features and posting of the actual track itself (Yes, I do have the track), but what I can tell you is, 2 of the 4 gentlemen above are featured on the cut.

As I was inhaling the goodness of this spectacular collaboration, I started to ponder, is this the GREATEST collabo known to mankind or, dare I ask, could another collabo top this one? Yes boys and girls, this is where you get to use your creative little minds. Put your thinking caps on, scroll through your iTunes catalogue and conjure up your “Dream Team” collabo. Now, for that million dollar question we’ve allllll been waiting for, “If you could, who would your Dream Team Hip Hop collaboration consist of and who would produce the track“. Sidebar: each collaborator has to be a living artist.

Alright, have fun boys and girls…..LowKey is heading Uptown for a bowling event with Def Jam’s princess, Karina Pasian.

Sincerely

Low “S.L.U….Remember those three letters” Key