Song of the Week: Mos Def – “Umi Says”

I wanted to switch gears up a bit this week. With all of the things going on in the world lately, I thought I should smooth it out a bit. That’s the reason that “Umi Says” is the Song of the Week. I listen to this song when I just need to clear my mind and relax. A lot of controversial events have sent the urban nation into a tizzy as of lately. If you are like me and having a stressful week, sit back and relax and listen to something smooth to help you get through it. Don’t forget where you got this from! Read more

9th Wonder & Buckshot|The Formula (by The Second Coming)

When Buckshot and 9th Wonder dropped The Chemistry in mid-2005, it brought together two parts of the eastern coast that at the time were in two very different worlds of music. Their collaboration album was praised, and it proved that hardcore content could find its place in the heart of a soul sample. Three years later, Buckshot and 9th carry over their chemistry in hopes that The Formula will be perfect this time. Just like on The Chemistry, 9th Wonder holds down full production credits, a tough task to encapsulate. Will The Formula pop off or just titillate a fizzle? Let’s find out. Read more

A Tribe Called Quest|The Low End Theory [1991]

Since real Hip-Hop music and culture is currently being appreciated with special showings of Yo! MTV Raps episodes, clips, and videos, I thought that this would be the perfect time for me to introduce a new section to the nappyafro categories called Rewind Reviews. This section will be specifically for reviewing previously released albums covering various genres from Hip-Hop/Rap to R&B to Soul to Funk and more. So in kicking off the Rewind Reviews properly I thought I would start with a classic album from A Tribe Called Quest in their 1991 release The Low End Theory. So “Can I Kick It?” Read more

The Roots|Rising Down

Without apologies, hesitation, or regret, I admit that I am a full out Roots fan. This review may/may not be tempered with bias. You all have read a good amount of my reviews and should know by now that I am pretty objective…I hope, cause I have given some stuff good/great ratings even while I haven’t listened to that particular album again cause it’s not my type of music. This CD however, I have been anticipating for quite a while. Let’s go. Read more

Keith Murray|Intellectual Violence

Less than a year after dropping his last album, Mr. Violence returns with another offering. His last album sold only 180k copies, but that’s his most since Enigma in 96. That said, what could he bring to the table in so few months? A reunion with Erick Sermon and Redman on the independent Legion of Doom label may inspire a return to at least the Gold success of his debut album. Read more

iPod Hustle: Estelle, Gnarls Barkley, & Jay Electronica

Here we go again! This is where I pick some songs off my ever present iPod and explain to you what I’m currently listening to. Sometimes it’s new stuff; sometimes it’s old stuff, but all the time its good stuff. In this edition, I give you Estelle’s BEST SONG EVER, bring Gnarls Barkley back from the dead, and finally introduce myself to Jay Electronica. Ready? Read more

Demand Justice for Sean Bell!

I don’t climb on the soapbox often, but I feel the need to jump on that bad boy now! I was watching the coverage of the case when it dawned on me. When are those same people going to vilify the three officers that gunned Sean down like they did Mike Vick? Read more

The Numbers Game: Mariah Kills It at #1

Another day, another dollar. It’s time to once again see who does what on the charts…well at least in the top 50…and on the R&B/Hip-Hop side. This week, once again, not really any high profile Hip-Hop/Rap releases (Well, not counting J-Bo). This time, one of R&B’s reigning queens comes back in a big way while a rapper from M-I-Yayo gets closer to Gold status. Read more

Bizzy Bone|A Song For You

Being part of one of the most popular rap groups of all time, Bizzy Bone has been busy by his lonesome. Releasing his 15th solo album since 1998, Bizzy has kept his fans with an earful of music. A Song for You is actually his second album THIS year! Boasting some big names like DMX, Joel Madden, and Twista, Bizzy showed that he still has some connections in the game. Read more

Song of the Week: Little Brother – “Next Day”

Okay, of course we had go with Little Brother for Song of the Week right? Well, since King Jerm brought up GetBack in the Phonte Interview, I guess I will go with my favorite song from the album. It’s a bonus track, and when we reviewed GetBack, I don’t think we covered it. It’s “Next Day”. On it, Phonte asks the question,”What did you the day after you got signed?” Read more

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