On future collaborations…..
I did two songs with Al Green on his new CD and I’m singing background on another song, so that’s a big dream for me. Bill Withers, I just did a tribute for him; I’m trying to get him in the studio. He sang for the first time in twenty years and I was a big part of making that happen; I allowed him to feel comfortable. BB King, I would love to work with BB King and I’m sure I’m about to work with Prince in a minute. I think my voice would also fit with the Rolling Stones.

On getting to “The Point of It All”……
I worked hard, built great relationships with my fans, did some touring, and stayed relevant by collaborating with Jeezy, Nelly and the Nappy Roots.

On what’s next…..
Take this album, rock it to the wheels fall off, put some new wheels on it, take it for another spin and broaden the brand. I would like to take my brand to Japan; worldwide for that matter, and allow the world to hear.

What do YOU guys like most about Anthony Hamilton?????

Sincerely

Low “A.Hamilton is tooooo cool for school. In a good way, lol” Key

10. Artists STILL care about touring the country. 

9. Lil Wayne has yet to overdose on whatever he sips from that cup… 

8. This man’s passion has stayed the same since his arrival into hip hop….

7.  The fact that BOTH of these albums will be released in 2009…FINALLY!

6.  The remix will always be around as long as DIDDY is involved…..

5. BLOGGING, here’s why; Sitting at a desk, listening, writing, and attending everything HIP HOP related has provided LowKey with the opportunity to travel the world, party 3 days out of a 5 day work week and receive a steady income. THANK YOU!  

4. Hip Hop websites like this one, I love this one, that one, oh this one too, definitely this one and can’t forget about this one…. 

3. Barack Obama’s influence over the hip hop culture…. 

2. THIS MAN!  

1. To have witnessed some of the greatest music ever created…..

Now that you know what I’m thankful for, what about you guys???? WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

Happy Thanksgiving…IM GHOST!

Sincerely

Low “Gobble Gobble Gobble” Key 

I remember during my excursion out to Las Vegas for Nelly’s Brass Knuckles Celebrity Weekend, the St. Lunatic sort of hinted at a super collaborative effort involving himself, Akon, T-Pain and Pharrell. Though he didn’t spit out enough information to cause any kind of commotion, he did, however, reveal the project was in the early stages of production. Said Nelly five months prior, “I feel like we don’t have that mark yet. I don’t no is showing that longevity. I like groups like BBD. I love to have fun, so right now it’s just some ideas we’re tossing around”

Fast forward to this past weekend in Atlanta, GA. Nelly, again, the bearer of exclusive details, decided to spill even more beans about the super group, but this time, reveals a fourth member, T-Pain. “I know me, Akon, Pain and Pharrell are talking about doing a group project. We have a host of thing we’re trying to do; possibly a 2009 BBD type of thing, so we’ll what that do”. Meanwhile, Skateboard P (Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes) played coy when asked about the project and its participants, “Those are all my boys,” Pharrell clarified. “I’m kind of the only one who adheres to the oath of secrecy” 

Could the four of them pull off the project without sounding corny? I mean, I know it’s the age of the “collaboration”, but is the industry ready for a Nelly/T-Pain/Akon/Pharrell Lp?? First single status would probably be monumental on some type of level, but an entire project, ehhhhhhh, I don’t know.

Anyway, enough of my banter, here’s the question, How excited are you about a super group with Nelly, T-Pain, Akon and Pharrell??? If so, why? If not, why???

Sincerely

Low “A 2009 BBD???” Key

The album is almost dead, is the “First Single” soon to follow?

 Maybe I’m reaching on this issue, but I could honestly careless about the “First Single” like I used to. On a scale from 1-10, my interest level for the “First Single” is at about a 7.4. Certain artists have the aura that’ll make me go ape sh*to hear their new product, but in this day and age, it just doesn’t hold the same precedent in my musical kingdom like it used to.

Now don’t get me wrong, as stated before, certain artists will indeed get the juices following for musical advocates around the world; 50, Kanye, Jay, you know, the usual suspects. But, past experiences with the “First Single” led me to believe that the masses want more than just a “single”. Matter fact, one of the aforementioned artists I just named, Mr. Curtis Jackson, had a HELL of a time gripping on the attention of his core demographic last year during his “Curtis” festivities. Why is that??

It took Fif 4 singles to get the attention of his core demographic. Nelly, who B.Fleezy ripped to shreds earlier last week, lol, made a valid point about the St. Lunatic throwing out 4 singles to get the attention he needed, but failed miserably as well. I honestly don’t think it’s that these artists lost their mojo, I believe the consumer is looking for another way to have their attention snatched. I may have digressed, so let’s jump back on topic; Does the “First Single” still have the same impact it used to?

Think back to your favorite artists “First Single”. How well did it do? Did it make you jump back on the (insert favorite artist here) bandwagon or did you care less because it was only one offering.

It’s Monday morning ladies and gentlemen……..TIME TO GET BUSY!!

Sincerely

Low “I can’t remember the last time I was extremely excited about a first single” Key

*Disclaimer* The homey B.Fleezy better known as B.Flint (she doesn’t do the government) took time out her busy ass schedule to bless with me with a Question of the Day. Understand, these opinions and theories of ours (B.Fleezy & LowKey) aren’t necessarily the ones of BET so if you have any issues with the commentary on this page, contact me directly at Nile.Ivey@Staff.Bet.com. Now, on with the program….take it away, B!

Nelly’s fifth album Brass Knuckles dropped last Tuesday, September 16^th and well…nothing. Projected to sell less than 100,000 albums his first week, it seems our favorite Missourian has lost his mojo.Sure, sure I’m the first to admit his current Sean John Underwear campaign makes up for anything and errything he is lacking musically, but to quote The Clipse “(bird call) what happened to that boy?”

Now please don’t start singing “Hi Hater” to me. Back in the day, I was a Nelly fanatic. When, on Midwest Swing, he sang “what you think we live on the farm, Ni**a be for real!” it brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.Being from the Midwest, the most musically misguided region of the country, Nelly was a source of bragging rights. Us Midwesterners no longer had to remind people that the Jackson 5 were originally from Indiana, we had Nelly. So what happened?

Nelly has released three singles from this album and even if I was forced to choose between reciting a lyric from one of those songs and being a contestant on Flavor of Love, I couldn’t do it. And neither could you. Which brings me to the question of the day: Which multi-platinum, superstar rapper will be the next to fall off? 

Now I know these are hard times in the world of record sales, but really I expect more. Longevity in hip-hop is clearly not guaranteed to anyone, and with upcoming releases from some of the genres finest including, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Kanye and Ludacris, this should be an interesting question. I’m usually right, but what do you think?

Sincerely

B “I have opinions about opinions” Fleezy

Well, this just in, Busta is rumored to be circling up with Sylvia Rhone and her crop of superstar buddies over at Universal Records. Logistics for the new deal have yet to be revealed, but Busta would be joining, Nelly, Lil Wayne, David Banner and Swizz Beatz. Sheeeeesh, think of the collabos between those fools!

Anyway, what are your thoughts on these rumors???? Did Busta get dropped?? Will he fair well over at Universal Motown???? Do you even care??

SOUNDOFFF!!!

Sincerely

Low “Say it ain’t so, Busta” Key

Nelly defends the lil homey!

The crusade for “Leave of Soulja Boy Alone” has now picked up St. Lunatic, Nelly, and the newest addition to Sean John’s modeling team has PLENTY to say. Since the start of this perciluar feud, many of the industry’s OG’z have stepped in to voice their concern in regards to Ice-T speaking out against the 18 year old youngster, many of which, suggest that the Ice man go about his business.

In an exclusive interview with ThisIs50.Com, Nelly, basically lets the west coast legend have it, to say the least. “Hip hop was created for the youth, by the youth, so why is all these old mothafu*kaz trying to control it, you know what I’m saying? asks an obviously aggitated Nelly. He continues later in the clip, “How the fu*k you gon tell a 14 year old boy or a 14 year old girl that they shouldn’t be listening to that, when your parents told you that LL Cool J wasn’t music?” 

It’s actually insanely heat warming to see these established artists step up to the plate and defend Soulja because that lets us further know the hip hop generation gap isn’t that far apart. I wonder if Ice ever thought the reaction to his “I hate Soulja Boy” rant would cause this much controversy? Or, was it a ploy for the old fellar to regain relevancy in today’s Hip Hop realm??

Wait, Nelly isn’t finished with Mr. Colors. He also posed the question, “What are you doing listening to a 17 year old boy anyway, judging him? That sh^t right there is wack, that’s the wackest part ever….it’s like come on man, you look like a fu*king old geezer telling them kidz that. Those kidz don’t know no fu@kin Ice-T”. OUCH!

Well, I COMPLETELY understand Nelly’s POV. And like Ice-T, I once shared the same sentiments of the “Soulja Boy Killed Hip Hop” rhetoric, but once I started to really grasp that the lil homey was just having fun and providing for his loved ones, I quickly sat my hatin ass down and erased the “I’m a 25 year old bitter hip hop brother” sign from my forehead, because in reality, that’s all Ice-T is…..BITTER!

Sincerely

Low “Hate is such an ugly color” Key

Let me just say that I’m not the BIGGEST west coast advocate (Music, traveling to the west or anything related), but for some peculiar reason, after my trip to the VMA’s, I’ve fallen madly in love with the left side of the United States. Maybe it’s the one dimensional personalities some of the citizens posses or the fact it NEVER snows, or maybe its the possibility of the ground shifting while I’m drinking a milkshake from Coldstone’s (I don’t like to be interrupted while drinking Coldstone’s and I know for damn sure an earthquake would secure that).

Anyway, I happened to snatch Nelly’s new album, Brass Knuckles, from the prying hands of the secret society and for some reason, the only track I’ve been playing all morning is, “L.A.” featuring Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg. The song gives me the urge to frolic around the BET.Com offices with a pair of Chuck Taylor’s loosely laced, draped in an all Khaki Dickie’s jump suit with a blue bandanna hanging out the left side of my back pocket and a red one hanging out the right (I only promote Gang unison, lol) and then stand on a co-worker’s desk with both of my feet pointed in the outwards direction only to be heard yelling, “Whad up fool?”

And since I won’t be doing nothing of the sort, one day I will, I’ll let you ponder up your own West coast daydream while you listen to this exclusive tune. ENJOY!

Nelly ft. Snoop Dogg & Nate Dogg- L.A. 

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

Sincerely

Low “WEST COAAAAAAAAAAST” Key

Brass Knuckles, which drops September 16th, sports appearances from T.I., Snoop Dogg, St. Lunatics, LL Cool J, Usher, Fergie, Pharrell, JD, Akon, Ashanti, Avery Storm, Ashanti, Lil Mama and Chuck D. Expect one of these superstar features to pop up on the road with Mr. Air Force One.

Think Nelly can hold his own on the road?????  SPEAK, PEOPLE…….SPEAK!!!!!

Sincerely

Low “Yea, he’ll be iihgt” Key

Thursday, I scurried over to the JD’s Celebrity Bowling tournament at 300 Bowling, and that was pretty much a good time. Copa, SoSo Def’s National Mixshow Director made sure I was good at the door, but by the time I arrived at the venue, it was swarming with attendees so my photo opps weren’t that easy, but I snapped what I could get. I also snagged some video, but that’ll be up later in the week. Polow Da Don, Nelly, Dru Hill (yea, I’m just as shocked as you), Neyo, 9th Ward, Dondria, Q Da Kid and many others were in attendance.

Friday, Club Dreamz was all the “ACTION” was at, lol. Apparently while all the celebs were partying it up having a grand ol time, a loud sounding POP was heard throughout the club. Now according to some, it was a stereo speaker that popped, but according to others, a club patron let off a shot that grazed a security guards elbow because he was being double charged to get into the VIP area. Theory time. First, if someone was shot in the club, WHY in the HELL would they lock everyone inside the venue? I mean, that’s the story being passed through the industry as of late. Common sense would direct everyone to the exits in calm matter, not lock them inside. Second, being that there are over a DOZEN celebrities on hand at this high profile event, how in the HELL did someone manage to sneak a handgun INSIDE the club? A friend of mine informed he was searched THREE times before even entering. So to put all this to rest, TRANSLATION: The security guard who shot himself, was shot by his own gun. END OF STORY!

Saturday, JD’s Celebrity Basketball Game took place over at Morehouse Gymnasium. Fortunately for the kiddies, no security guards were brandishing any hand guns at the time (Joking, JD). JD, Bow Wow, Chris Tucker and the The So So Def All-Stars went up against Nelly, Avery Storm, Larry Huges and St.Louis Derrty Ent. All-Stars, which resulted in a So So Def victory, 105-96. ATL whipper snappers, The Showstoppers performed at half-time bringing out their boss, Soulja Boy for a surprise performance.

Later that night, The White Party commenced over at the Woodruff Art Center in midtown. Yes, LowKey was decked in all-white (courtesy of the easy pickings at H&M several hours before, lol). I would have to say, hands down, the all-white affair was pretty much the best event of the weekend. Bow Wow, Nelly, JD, Avery Storm, Chris Tucker, Lil Jon, Gabrielle Union, Sana Lathan, Kevin Hart (who was draped in an orange top and blue jeans) attend the function. I don’t know if I’m tripping, but I think I was sporting a “HASSLE ME” sign all night, because wherever I set FOOT, I got the same vernacular, “Who are you with?”, “Why are you filming?”. Regardless, I did what I had to do. I swear, you guys should have seen the face of the PR rep when she saw I gained access to the VIP area, when she specifically told me I wasn’t allowed to record for the rest of the night. Dah whatever, I was there to work, so that’s what I did!

Anyway, here are some pictures I attempted to snag over the weekend. The big homey Nigel D of RealTalkNY also took some pics for the kid since everyone wanted to look at me like I had 5 heads when I asked for a photo opp. ENJOY!

Sincerely

Low “The photographer, cameraman, writer, blogger, and pretty-eyed bandit of BET.Com” Key

Club 300 (the VIP area) was heavily secured by that dude the size of those twin doors.

Jermaine Dupri and Neyo pose for the flashing lights @ 300 (Photo Credit: Nigel D)

JD talking major ish during the bowling tournament. You see homey in the right corner, yea, that was the EXACT same look I was getting the whole weekend.

Copa and the So So Def team parlaying in the 300 Private Lanes section.

Something tells me Polow Da Don doesn’t like being photographed…..

Nelly, Polow Da Don and JD before the tournament @ the 300 Bowling Alley (Photo Credit: Nigel D)

Wingo (1/4 of R&B Group, Jagged Edge) and Q Da Kid @ the JD’s Celebrity Basketball Game

Bow Wow and Jermaine Dupri before tip off. God knows what JD is staring at…..

Funny man, Kevin Hart before entertaining the crowd at JD’s Celebrity All-Star Game

Derrty Entertainment’s All-Star coach and Chicago Bull, Larry Huges, circles up with some of the So So Def All-Stars.

Just like old times, Bow Wow and JD chopping it up during the game.

Mr. Gangsta Grillz himself, DJ Drama.

Bow Wow talking some serious ish in Nelly’s ear during the game.

Chris Tucker loves the kids…

JD and the So So Def All-Stars celebrate their win.

Kevin Hart takes his victory speech to a completely different level.

Ahhhh, The All White Affair. Sanaa Lathan, Gabrielle Union and friend (Photo Credit: Nigel D)

Nelly and Bow Wow flick it up at The All-White Affair…(Photo Credit: Nigel D)

Crazy. All of whom were online for JD’s All White Affair!

Lil Jon being escorted inside the party….

The scene inside the Woodruff Art Center….

Chingy heading inside the All White Affair….

Def Jam’s, Lenny S was also at The White Affair….

No words….

JD, Bow Wow and the boys get ready to head inside….

Trey Songz hit the read carpet sans his trademark cornrows….

Chris Tucker thought he was slick trying to slide through the side door….

Bow Wow before heading inside….

Regina King chopping it with BET’s, Black Carpet…

JD strolling in fashionably late to his All Whte Affair..

JD hopped out of this…..

And Bow Wow hopped out of this one…..

Adorable…..

Drop top Rolls Royce sitting PRETTY…..

So So Def….yep, We Know What It Iz…..