As always, Fif had some interesting words for his usual targets; Kanye West, Nasir Jones, Fat Joe and Young Buck. I haven’t seen these blurbs anywhere else on the net, so scroll down and dissect Fiddy’s latest ramblings….

On not starting beef this album release…

“I didn’t set it up. I didn’t set it up none of those times. You think I asked for the disrespect from Fat Joe on Rap City? That’s what restarted everything. And, later on, I think he acknowledged it. Later on, he said, “Yo, they threw some shit at me that he said a while back.” And he responded aggressively. And me, I’m like, where the f*k is this coming from? I’m not even thinking about him right now.”

On not responding to Nas’s, “Queens Get Money”….

“Man, Nas is cold as ice. Nas is the block of ice that sunk the Titanic…..I didn’t even hear his record. I didn’t even hear the record you’re talking about. I really don’t want to talk about Nas. I think he’s at one of those points to where his career’s finished, to be honest. He’s had some great moments and made good music in the past, but he no longer has the interest of the general public or myself.”

On Kanye’s 808’s and Heartbreak…

“I enjoyed his other records since hearing “Love Lockdown.” He impressed me. “Heartless” and “Coldest Winter.” And he might actually be right; this might be the album that I really like from him. When he said it, he was probably being a little humorous, but he got some balls, man. He’s willing to go head and make and R&B album. That’s a lot. He could not recover from this…..I think that’s cool, if your fans will permit you to be creative in that way. From a business perspective, you gotta offer what performs. The public will tell me that Curtis is a failure. And I sold 700,000 copies the first week. So what do I gotta do? Reach a million, at minimum??”

On why he released the Young Buck conversation

“I already saw who Buck was. And I see that he was gonna continuously be that, and that wasn’t gonna be healthy for either one of us. So its better to destroy him then destroy both of us. They type of person he is- spontaneous and impulsive, and then you add addiction to it- you got someone who is in a real destructive space. So I can’t allow me or my business to be damaged in any way!”

Ahh, it’s always refreshing to rifle through the mind of Curtis Jackson. I’m surprised at his tone towards Kanye’s 808’s & Heartbreak. But, I’m not surprised about his feelings towards Nasir; I guess those two will NEVER get along (tear, lol). As for Young Buck….such a sad case. Anyway, for the complete story, pick up a copy….trust me, it’s WORTH the journey..even though the wind WILL smack you harder than Maino did Yung Berg (ok ok, sorry, sheesh!)

Sincerely

Low “Fiddy must be salty since Nas dissed him in the mathematical sense on “Queens Get The Money” 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

The Atlanta Hip Hop Summit will be taking over Clark Atlanta University on Friday, October 17th, for the Atlanta Hip Hop Summit of Financial Empowerment: Get Your Money Right event. The panel’s participants include, Russell Simmons, Atlantic Recording artist, Maino, DJ Drama, DJ Toomp, 106 & Park’s, Terrence & Rocsi, Yung Berg, Gorilla Zoe, Fat Joe, Brian M. Cox, Dr. Ben Chavis, new comer, Asher Roth and Ludacris.

In this time of financial crisis, any commentary on how to improve your current situation is well needed, especially since Congress really doesn’t speak to the youth as it should. For tickets, slide over in this direction and print them out….RIGHT NOW!

People are always willing to complain about the lack of help in regards to their issues, well, here you go……DON’T BLOW IT!
Sincerely

Low “I BETTER see you guys there” Key

*50 Voice* Whoa, Whoa, Whoa, Whoa, Whoa, Whoa…..

Sorry, I just love singing that absurd melody lol. Anyway, so I was listening to G-Unit’s newest offering, Terminate On Sight at my desk and I noticed a line on the track, Rider Part 2 (Lol, I’m mad I’m acting like the song is new) in which Young Buck, in a haunting but ironic statement, states “Even if 50 drop me, I still wouldn’t sign”.

Ok, so here goes….

2 Weeks ago, the obvious and hilarious happened, remember? And though Young Buck is still TECHNICALLY signed to G-Unit/Interscope Records, what does the future hold for this man’s recording career. I mean, let’s think about it…Young Buck & 50 obviously won’t be seeing eye to eye anytime soon and we all know when 50 puts his foot down on any issue, that’s usually how the situation goes. Both parties, 50 and Buck, have publicly denounced each other without hesitation so, for the most part, a working relationship between the two of them is walking straight out the front door.

And since we ALL know 50 is pretty big on loyalty, Buck has since blown any chance of reconciliation with the G-Unit bunch since he went and put a verse on the remix to The Game’s current single, “Game’s Pain”, which also features several of 50’s other arch nemesis, Fat Joe and Jadakiss. 

With it being painfully obvious that 50 and Young Buck are no longer BFF, the punchline, “Even If 50 drop me, I still wouldn’t sign” has been brought back to life. So the question I place in your possession is this, since 50 DID in fact drop Young Buck, what label would he fit nice with? Bad Boy? Roc-A-Fella? Cash Money? Derrty Ent (Nelly’s label), Terror Squad? Dipset? D-Block? BlackwallStreet (Game’s label)?, Grand Hustle (T.I.’s label)?

Sincerely

Low “Since 50 DID drop me, I wonder with whom I’m gon sign? (that should’ve been the line)” Key

Several weeks ago, I got the opportunity to attend the opening of the Hip Hop Soda Shop in Miami Gardens, Florida. The HipHopSodaShop is a natural restaurant franchised modeled loosely around The Hard Rock Cafe. HHSS IS the first publicly traded hip-hop company, owned and operated by H3 Enterprises Inc. H3 Enterprises, Inc. and Microsoft also announced an exclusive multi year partnership deal which makes XBox 360 the official sponsor of the HipHopSodaShop franchise across the country.

Dr.Ben Chavis, CEO and President of The Hip Hop Soda Shop said of the opening, “H3 Enterprises, Inc. has taken a dramatic step forward in launching its Miami HipHopSodaShop. I want the HHSS to be the destination location for people who want to enjoy themselves and empower themselves with knowledge and career opportunities” Mike Fisher, General Manager of Microsoft’s Xbox Marketing added, “The HipHopSodaShop aligns so well with where video gaming is going; it’s much more about music and social gaming. We see this as an opportunity to be able to get in on the ground floor of a new business concept that has the potential to be really phenomenal”.

For more information, log on to the HipHopSodaShop.Com

The event had an incredible turn out and since I love sharing my voyages with you guys, I figure these visuals below would do just the trick.

Sincerely

Low “We need one of those in NYC, ASAP!” Key  

It’s the concert heard around world, well at least East Rutherford, NJ on the night of June 2, 2008. NYC’s HOT 97 officially took over Giants Stadium last night with its 15th Annual, Summer Jam. Unlike last year, the weather for the night’s festivities was crystal clear and the entire Tri-State was ready to go. Seeing how I walked in about 20 minutes into the show, I missed Ray-J and Yung Berg perform their smash single “Sexy Can I” (I didn’t mind one bit). Judging by the luke warm response, the crowd wouldn’t have mind missing it either.

ATL’s own, The Dream hit the stage next. And like his Madison Square Garden set, The Dream took care of business in a timely fashion. To be honest, his backup dancers held my attention for the entire time….I’m not even gonna front like I was paying attention to him. His material (”I Luv Your Girl”, “Falsetto”, “Shawty Is A Ten”) was performed exceptionally well, but them dancers…boooooy I tell ya.

Alicia Keys, who was decked out in a wife beater and some NICE fitting denim’s, pranced out on stage and literally toyed with EVERY male figure in attendance. I mean to be honest, there’s NO reason why she looks that good and quite frankly, I’m fine with that lol. Alicia had no problem running through her slew of hits since (”N.Y. State of Mind”, “Like I’ll Never See You Again”, “No One, and “Teenage Love Affair”) the crowd recited each song line for line. Though her set was amazing, it was her bevy of surprise guests that won the fans over. First, she brings out Brooklyn rapper, Main-O (I’m just as surprised) to do a quick verse from his current single, “Hi Hater”. Next, Raekwon runs out for a quick verse from the classic tune “Incarcerated Scarfaces” which sent the the crowd into a tizzy. Method Man emerged next and shut things down with a verse from “C.R.E.A.M”. Shortly after, Ghostface appeared to add his portion to the song as well. Method Man continued for about 10 more minutes and felt the need to jump into the crowd, which actually won him cool points with the entire Tri-State Area

Hometown favorites, The Lox, hit the stage and they too brought some of their famous friends along. After performing a couple of underground hits (”Wild Out”, “F*ck You”, “2 Gunz Up” and “The Benjamin’s”) Nature and Nore came out for a quick trip down memory lane with a energetic performance of “Banned From TV”. Surprisingly, Red Cafe, Fat Joe, and Fabolous came out to perform the remix to Red Cafe’s “Paper Touchin”. Awesome! Styles P then brings out Swizz Beatz to perform “Blow My Mind” and we all know what that means. Let’s just say the contact I caught was a WONDERFUL experience! Swizz then breaks into his own semi set performing “Money In The Bank” and his new single “Where Da Cash At”. And to close things out, legendary DJ, Kid Capri, brings out Mr. Todd Smith (LL Cool J) for a “wheredidyoucomefrom” type performance which included “Rock Your Bells” and “HeadSprung”. So far, Summer Jam 2008 was shaping up to be a pretty damn good experience.

Mr. Teddy P and his colorful cohorts were next up to bat and boy did they hit a homerun. Quickly running through a couple of his remix verses from “2 Step” and “Walk It Out”, T-Peezy then decides it would be appropriate to add a little dance number to Chris Brown’s “Kiss Kiss”. Not for nothing, it was pretty entertaining. He then decides to bring the first of his monsoon of guest appearances out. Shawty Lo aka Mr. T.I. Aint From Bankhead, trots out to do a quick 16 from the heavy horned anthem, “Dey Know”, which I must admit was pretty friggin superb. If I wasn’t standing on a frail folding chair, I would have been running in place as well *begins to do so now*. Since T-Pain is on EVERY song ever conceived, I refuse to run down any additional information in regards to his perfomance (quit crying). Instead, I’ll just list who he brought out with him. DJ Khaled, Ricky Ross, Ace Hood, Fat Joe and Akon. Right after a brief “Bartender” performance with Akon, T-Pain proudly blurted out “In the words of George Bush, F*ck ya’ll n*ggaz, IM OUT”. CLASSIC!

The Martian, Lil Wayne took to the stage and, well…..did what he does, which I have yet to figure out. Performing his second single from his ALREADY leaked album, The Carter 3, “A Milli” blarred through Giants Stadium while everyone attempted to keep up with Dwayne’s machine gun flow. While spitting his verse from the infamous “Dey Know” remix, Shawty Lo emerges for a quick photo opp and disappears once Wayne finishes the song. Titty Boy appears next, Duffle Bag and all, to spill out the infamous sounds of “Duffle Bag Boy”. To keep it funky, Wayne could have done that tune alone, but Titty still held his own. After sharing the limelight, Wayne reintroduces himself to the audience and gets down to business. He rips through “Cash Money Millionare” and “Leather So Soft” (guitar and ALL…UGH!). Following the horridness of his guitar strings, he proceeds with the full acapella version of “P*ssy Monster” (Yikes!). I’m assuming he was was either on something (like he’s ever sober) or he just got real creative, but during the song, he proceeded to molest the floor in which I turned to my homey Jamal and said “He’s still going to sell 500,000 copies just because of ish like this”. After retiring the random explicit stage acts, he brings out Kanye West to perform the remix to “Lollipop”. DOPE!

Kanye’s performance was confusing, but still entertaining. He performed “Diamonds”, “Champion” “Homecoming”, “Get Em High” (screwed, so awesome), and “Jesus Walks” with so much energy it reminded us why he’s the #1 artist in Hip Hop. After bringing out Good Music artist, Consequence, for a quick verse from “The Good Bad & The Ugly” he jumps into a dope performance of “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” following up with a special but brief appearance from ATL’s #1 trapper, Young Jeezy. “Put On” which features Kanye West, sounded CRAZY on the sound system, but I don’t think to many people were that familiar with the song just yet. After Jeezy’s exit, Kanye starts up “Flashing Lights”, but forgets his first verse (same thing happened at The Garden a couple weeks ago). After fumbling a couple more words, he gets things back on track and finishes up strong. He disappears for a couple minutes and returns for a passionate performance of “Stronger”. After spitting one of the sickest acapella freestyles I’ve heard in a minute (”She watching the draft, she got your jersey already/she bout to pick out a crib in Jersey ALREADY”!), T-Pain comes back out to finish things off with an excellent performance of “Good Life”. SPECTACULAR!

Public Enemy (Flavor Flav and all) hit the stage for a militant, but yet informative performance. Running through their classic catalogue which included “Bring The Noise”, “Shut Em Down”, “911″, “Can’t Do Nuttin For Ya Man”, and “Fight The Power”. During the performance both Chuck D and Flavor Flas gave respective speeches about not believing the hype (their hype was probably different from the audience’s, but most of us understood). Regardless, it was a moving performance and I’m glad HOT 97 incorporated them into the mix, even if that meant half of the audience leaving.

Jim Jones brought out Juelz Santana and the rest of the Byrd Gang flock, but it wasn’t anything special or worth capturing on my camera (it was dead anyway). NYC still welcomed Jimmy and Juelz with open arms as they ran through a couple of their Harlem hits which included, “Santana’s Town”, “Ballin” “Baby Girl” and Jimmy’s remix verses from DJ Unk’s “Walk It Out” and “Two Step”.

Overall the show was freaking awesome, and right now my eyes are 30 seconds from shutting. Attended this year’s Summer Jam, well let me know your favorite part to the show and what part you hated the most. If you’re more attracted to visuals, scroll down and check out some of the photos I snagged during the show.

Sincerely

Low “Summer Jam never disappoints! Well, at least the last 2 years I attended lol” Key

Alicia even looks splendid on the jumbo screen…

I’m telling you, Dream dancers…….SIGHS!

Sheek Louch from The Lox was VERY excited to be on stage…

Swizzy tore it down with his new single “Where Da Cash At”

You can tell T-Pain and his buddies were having a blast……

Weezy was there too……

Rick Ross, Shawty Lo, Fat Joe and DJ Khaled getting busy!

Jadakiss came out to play as well…..

Akon took over with T-Pain, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe and Ace Hood.

Lil Weezy felt it was necessary to have guitar practice during his set……

Really Rick Ross….REALLY?!?!!

As if we weren’t going to hear from Mr. Curtis “Interscope” Jackson when Fat Joe’s SoundScan numbers were released. In 50 fashion, a mock video surfaced on his community based website ThisIs50.Com, sending off, in what appears to be, Fat Joe’s recording career.

Teary-eyed and all, 50 begins the video with clips from a funeral (unrelated to Fat Joe in any way, just a couple of random clips) and the sounds of the trumpets playing “Taps,” the haunting but famous musical piece played during Military funerals in memory of a fallen solider. 50’s face is shown between each clip. “Fat Joe has passed away, his SoundScan came out. He only sold like, 46,000 copies,” 50 sobbed.

50 even took time to shoot some praise towards Rick Ross for his recent Billboard success, but also issues a semi warning in regards to his close relationship with the Bronx Bomber. “That’s when you know you’re not relevant when you got artists like…(long pause)…Ricky Ross….The BOSS! The Boss is out there looking real good coming in there with that #1 album. He’s from that same little pocket out there in Miami. But he shouldn’t stand next to that fat piece of s*it because you know how I get (starts to throw punches at the camera). You know how I get, right???? Yeah, you know (points to camera).”

Following the enormous digital success to their last mixtape (400,000 copies of Elephant In The Sand were downloaded from ThisIs50.Com), 50 and his comrades are already prepping another follow up entitled, Return Of The Body Snatchers Vol 2.5: Elephant In The Sand & Friends. Peep the cover below!

Is 50 going over board with his “Elephant In The Sand” antics, or is this just a couple rounds of healthy competition? SOUND OFF

-LowKey

So I guess Mr. M.I Yayo wasn’t lying, he truly is the BOSS. Coming in at #1 on The BillBoard 200, Trilla, Ross’s sophomore effort, sold 198,000 units edging out hip hop heavy weights Snoop Dogg, whose Ego Trippin project sold an impressive 137,000 units and Fat Joe’s Elephant In The Room sold a meager 46,000 units despite his public disputes with Papoose and 50 Cent (they say beef sells albums, but I guess not in his case).

Not to take anything away from The Boss’s success, but Ego Trippin was a HELL of an album. You can still hear “All I Have In This World”(a song produced by Mannie Fresh from Rick Ross’s Trilla) thumping out the speakers of the TSX!

What album did you pick up last Tuesday, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, or Snoop Dogg….and why? SOUNDOFF PLEAAAASSSEE!

-LowKey

-LowKey

Miss Jones interview with Cassidy during Hot 97’s Morning Show on March 6th

 Papoose Speaks to BET.com!!