Ever since The Carter documentary was shown at this year’s Sundance Film Festival to great reviews, and ever since Lil’ Wayne’s camp tried to sue QD3 Entertainment claiming the film painted Weezy in a negative light (Meaning they showed a lotta drug use), I’ve been interested in watching this film. Seeing that it was just released released on DVD last Tuesday, you can figure how Tha The Carter documentary was a good choice for Friday Night ‘Fro. Enjoy. (Sidenote: I would have more commentary on the actual film, but have yet to watch it in full).

Being that I was the one who reviewed Wale’s debut album, Attention Deficit, I guess it’s only right that I get to speak on it’s  chart debut (I do all The Numbers Games anyway, but still…). Yea, in this column the whole purpose is to talk about album sales but honestly, Attention Deficit’s 1st week sales don’t tell the whole story. In a recent interview with HoneyMag.com, Wale stated that Interscope only shipped out 30,000 albums. So when you see that he sold 28,000 of the 30,000, that #21 spot could have been higher. Especially when the album is pretty good (3.5 out 5 is pretty good right?).

You see how Beyonce’s I Am…Sasha Fierce shot up 55 spots back into the Top 50? Is she gonna go triple?

Anybody else knew that Wycelf released a retail version of his DJ Drama mixtape, Toussaint St. Jean: From The Hut, To The Projects, To The Mansion? At least 3,000 fans knew. He lands at #171. You can download a free version here.

#4 Michael Jackson/This Is It [OST] (Last Week: #2) – 162,900; Total: 686,500 (Gold) [3 Weeks]
#16 Jay-Z/The Blueprint 3 (Last Week: #15) – 33,000; Total: 1,271,200 (Platinum) [10 Weeks]
#20 Black Eyed Peas/The E.N.D. (Last Week: #20) – 28,200; Total: 1,356,200 (Platinum) [23 Weeks]
#21 Wale/Attention Deficit (Last Week: NA) – 28,300; Total: NA [Debut]
#37 Beyonce/I Am…Sasha Fierce (Last Week: #92) – 16,000; Total: 2,492,000 (2X Platinum) [52 Weeks]
#49 Trey Songz/Ready (Last Week: #51) – 12,200; Total: 318,100 [10 Weeks]
#171 Wyclef Jean/Toussaint St. Jean: From The Hut, To The Projects, To The Mansion (Last Week: Na) – 3,300; Total: NA [Debut]

Yep, I been waiting on this one for a second. Pill drops his follow up to his 4180: The Prescription mixtape. For those who have heard or seen the video for “Trap Goin’ Ham” and think that is all this guy is, pull up a seat. He’s not your average rapper out of the Atlanta. Grab the mixtape (The DJ or No DJ versions) and check out the album artwork. On a sidenote: King Jerm claims to have put me on the Pill. He didn’t, but since he likes getting credit…

Download: Pill – 4075: The Refill [Mixtape] (DJ)

Download: Pill – 4075: The Refill [Mixtape] (No DJ)

For some reason I honestly thought Beanie Sigel wouldn’t throw any major shots at Jay-Z here. Well, actually he didn’t. 50 Cent (Who was just on the hook) did it for him: “You changed man! You let the money change you Jay! You used to be from Marcy nigga! Now you’se a pass the Grey Poupon ass nigga! You don’t want the shooter? I’ll take him.” I’ll need more listens to the actual song before I give my opinion.

Hey, when is 50’s album dropping again? Pretty soon right? Okay.

Sidenote: This is a radio rip. CDQ will be added when available. Added CDQ

Download: Beanie Sigel feat. 50 Cent – “I Go Off”

Not really much movement this week except three debuts below #46. Since I really haven’t listen to either albums, you can see how it’s slow week…well, at least for me. Amerie, Ryan Leslie, and rapper Shwayze (From the now canceled MTV show Buzzin’) all sold 12,000 (and below) albums each. Besides that, Michael Jackson did receive a Gold plaque this week for This Is It. And that’s it. In other unrelated chart news, go check out our homeboy B-Double’s (aka Your Favorite White Boy) newest site Today In Rap (Which is a great idea). Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our new podcast Frocast (We on iTunes homie!)

#2 Michael Jackson/This Is It [OST] (Last Week: #1) – 195,700; Total: 569,500 (Gold) [2 Weeks]
#15 Jay-Z/The Blueprint 3 (Last Week: #10) – 38,100; Total: 1,238,200 (Platinum) [9 Weeks]
#20 Black Eyed Peas/The E.N.D. (Last Week: #13) – 28,100; Total: 1,328,000 (Platinum) [22 Weeks]
#41 Mariah Carey/Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel (Last Week: #31) – 13,500; Total: 303,800 [6 Weeks]
#43 Whitney Houston/I Look To You (Last Week: #30) – 12,800; Total: 778,300 (Gold) [10 weeks]
#45 Drake/So Far Gone (Last Week: #37) – 12,700; Total: 223,300 [8 Weeks]
#46 Amerie/In Love & War (Last Week: NA) – 12,700; Total: NA [Debut]
#50 Ryan Leslie/Transition (Last Week: NA) – 12,000; Total: NA [Debut]
#55 Shwayze/Let It Beat (Last Week: NA) – 10,800; Total: NA [Debut]

I really don’t need to say too much about the man this Song of the Week is dedicated to. Big Pun’s birthday was this Monday (Nov. 9th) and it’s time to pay homage. As one of the nicest, Big Pun needs to be in your conversation of one of the best MC’s of all time. Here’s just a small sampling of why. R.I.P. Big Punisher.

Download: Noreaga feat. Big Pun, Nature, Cam’ron, Jadakiss, & Styles P – “Banned From TV”
Album: N.O.R.E. (1998)
Lyric: “Ay yo I hold niggas ransom for money/Like johhny handsome/Been sonning niggas for so long/I think I got a grandson/My passion is money, a stash and a honey/That won’t ask questions but will blast anybody”

Download: Fat Joe feat. Big Pun, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Nas, & Raekwon – “John Blaze”
Album: Don Cartagena (1998)
Lyric: “I hate a actor that plays a rapper/I’m Terror Squad beta kappa everybody’s favorite rapper/Grand imperial college material insane criminal/The same nigga who known to blow out your brain mineral/I reign subliminal inside your visual/Try to supply your physical with my spiritual side of this lyrical/I’ll appear in your dreams, like Freddie do, no kidding you/Even if I stuttered I would still sh-sh-sh-shit on you”

Download: Big Pun feat. Fat Joe – “Twinz (Deep Cover ‘98)”
Album: Capital Punishment (1998)
Lyric: “Dead in the middle of Little Italy little did we know/That we riddled some middleman who didn’t do diddily”

Bouns: Joell Ortiz – “Happy Birthday Pun”
Joell Ortiz pays respect to one BX’s finests

When the Hip-Hop world thinks of Olubowale Victor Folarin, aka Wale, the first thing that may come to mind is DC. And then maybe Maryland and Virginia. And then Go-Go music. Yep, Wale has been waving the DMV flag hard ever since he broke though in 2006 with the local hit “Dig Dug (Shake It)”. Now after releasing buzz singles (“Back On The Go-Go” & “Nike Boots”) critically acclaimed mixtapes (The Mixtape About Nothing, 100 Miles & Running, & Back to the Feature), getting numerous magazine co-signs (Named one of the XXL’s “The 10 Freshmen”; cover of URB), and multiple push backs, Wale’s debut album, Attention Deficit, is finally here. But the question still remains: Is this album worth your attention?

1. Triumph
Produced by Dave Sitek
Backed my announcing horns, the first track off this album proves to be a fitting opening for Wale. He spits boastful rhymes as well as his realizations of a new kid on the block; “I ask Mr. West for a little bit of help/Realize us new niggas got to get it ourselves/…And the only thing I fear is Iovine’s shelf”. Good start.

2. Mama Told Me
Produced by Best Kept Secret
The beat on this track is what I honestly expected on this album; it’s still go-go flavored but updated (Plus it’s well produced). I’m feeling the hook and the beat but for some reason around the 2nd verse I starting to loose interest. Wale rhymes okay, just nothing to hold the attention here like it’s needed on this beat. Hey, it could be that I already heard this beat before. It was used for Birdman & Rick Ross’ “Shittin’ On Them” featuring Busta Rhymes. And honestly they did a better job on it too (Yeah, I said it). Wale’s version is still one to check for though.

3. Mirrors
Featuring Bun B; Produced by Mark Ronson
Wale grabs the surviving member of UGK to ride shotgun here. Wale shows versatility and adopts a stutter flow to explain his point; “M-m-m-mirror, tell me I’m the realest/Since all these other nigga g-g-got gimmicks and l-l-lyrics/It’s all gun busting and such a lack of the subject…” Over a mellow and guitar heavy beat, Bun B makes a good showing and Wale holds his own against with certified vet. The back and forth hook was a nice touch too.

4. Pretty Girls
Featuring Gucci Mane & Weensey; Produced by Best Kept Secret
Like I mentioned previously on “Mama Told Me”, I think Wale maybe at his best when he goes back to his Go-Go roots. From the Weensey chorus to the crown interaction towards the end (“Ugly girls be quiet. Pretty girls clap like this.”), this song is a surefire hit. Then again, I basically speaking on the first version released on internet without the Gucci Mane verse. I understand why he was added to bring buzz but did Gucci really add anything to the track? Besides that, “Pretty Girls” was a good pick for the album’s third single.

5. Award Tour
Featuring Jazmine Sullivan; Produced by Cool & Dre
This is the song that further sparked my interest in this album. If you on a plane going to another city/state/country; how is this not your theme music? The piano laced beat by Cool & Dre does the trick as Wale gives “definition of a jet setter” and Jazmine (Proving once again that she is a force on the rap hooks) kills it with the hook and adlibs. If you haven’t checked for this one, get from under that rock and do so right now. Side note: It seems like this song was slightly rearranged for the album.

6. Let It Loose
Featuring Pharrell; Produced by The Neptunes
When I saw this song on the tracklist, I was eager to see what The Neptunes and Wale could come up with. Then I listened to it and I remembered that The Neptunes hasn’t been the Neptunes in a while. Maybe it’s just me but it’s just what I expected. Maybe I need more time with but as of now I’ll pass.

7. 90210
Produced by Mark Ronson
I’ll give it to Wale, he definitely shows he can mix up the subject matter; here he tells a story of girls lost in the city of Beverly Hills (90210). I’m surely not the demographic he’s going for but that not to say it’s a bad thing as the lyrics are well done; “And she throws up, whatever she eats/She leave the bathroom, with a nose bleed…” The beat is somber and makes you think of a bedtime story, which fits the whole “all that glitters…” theme.

8. Shades
Featuring Chrisette Michele; Produced by Best Kept Secret & JuJu
Speaking of subject matter, Wale jumps on a taboo one and brings Chrisette Michele to go in about the subject of skin prejudice in the Black community; “I never fit in with them light skins/I felt the lighter they was, they better that they life is/So I resented them/And they resented me.” Introspective stuff. Adding to the mood is great production as well as Chrisette on the hook (“From a light skinned sister to a drark skinned brother”) this track shows that Wale isn’t afraid to be vulnerable.

9. Chillin’
Featuring Lady Gaga; Produced by Cool & Dre
For some reason, I never got into this song. I understand it’s purpose, a radio friendly crossover single, but it’s still not my cup of tea. Funny thing is if this song had came out much later (Seeing as how Lady GaGa is way more popular now) this track would have much bigger and received much more attention. You should have heard this one by now. Side note: It seems like this song was slightly rearranged for the album also.

10. TV In The Radio
Featuring K’naan; Produced by Dave Sitek
This is another one that I was eager to listen to seeing that the previous collaboration between K’naan and Wale was bananas (“Un Ricka” off Back To The Feature). I wasn’t initially feeling this track but a few more listens it grew on me a bit. It’s not mind blowing but it is unique. That may be due to the awkward beat provided by TV On The Radio’s David Sitek (*Thinks about the song title*) Oh…

11. Contemplate
Produced by Syience
When I first heard this track, like a lot of people I thought it was a Rihanna feature which would have been a great look for Wale. Well, turns out it’s a sample of Rihanna’s “Question Existing” which is not to say that takes anything away from the song. The sample fits the theme of “contemplating” your reasons and actions. In the first verse Wale deals with his girl who wants the fast life and in the second he questions his own quest for glamor; “One day everybody applauding/The next day you is everybody’s target/Why bother?”

12. Diary
Featuring Marsha Ambrosius; Produced by The Sleepwalkers
On this track Wale tries to get a woman to let go of her past troubles with bad relationship and possible open her heart to him; “Every problem that you have with another man I gotta face/Started off on thin ice/I’m still here but I can’t skate”. He switches up the cadence here also to go with the dreamy production. It’s definitely better than what we usually get with rappers theses days dealing with the opposite sex (Even though towards the end he does sound a little pimpish). It’s a good song but I can also see how the beat could get repetitive. Side note: Does Wale have one of the illest lineups of R&B hook women on this album? Yes.

13. Beautiful Bliss
Featuring Melanie Fiona & J.Cole; Produced by DJ Green Lantern & Mark Ronson
Motion picture shit. The beat courtesy of Green Lantern and Mark Ronson truly sets the stage for the feeling of being on top of the world. Wale verses serve the purpose but J. Cole steals the show; “My punchlines like gut checks/I’m raw dog, I’m rough sex/I’m on deck, I’m up next/I’m god bless, I’m success/So fuck stress/You can get the fuck from round me/And if you listening know you wondering where they fuck they found me.” Whoa.

14. Prescription
Produced by Best Kept Secret
The chemistry between Best Kept Secret and Wale proves true again and this song is a fitting exit to Attention Deficit. Wale gives the listener reasons why he is the “Prescription” to listeners sick of the current state of Hip-Hop (“I breathe life in the game/They are Kevorkian”). He also cleverly sprinkles medical terms to illustrate the point. The beat, like the two previous produced by Best Kept Secret, uses go-go elements that blends well with Wale’s style. Good ending

Bottom Line:
Wale delivers a solid album with Attention Deficit and seeing that it’s his official debut, it’s impressive. He shows ranges of subject matter as well as rhyme talent that other rappers don’t show on their 10th album. You may not love every single track but you can respect the distinct voice used. One of my few disappointments with the album as a whole is that I’m not sure if it surpasses his mixtapes like The Mixtape About Nothing or Back To The Feature. Besides the minor drawbacks, Attention Deficit should hold the interest of listeners looking for good Hip-Hop. DMV stand up! Wale’s gotcha. Update: Changed rating. The 4 Stars never felt right.

nappyPicks: “Triumph”, “Mirrors”, “Pretty Girls”, “World Tour”, “Shades”, “Beautiful Bliss”, “Presciption”

Download: Wale feat. John Mayer – “Letters” [Not On The Album]

Download: Wale feat. Travis Barker – “OGz” [Radio Rip/Bonus Track]

Download: Wale feat. Weensey – “Pretty Girls” [No Gucci Mane Verse]

Another Numbers Game, another day I apologize once again for the lack of reviews. But hey, Michael Jackson is back on top of the charts; that’s something right? Sidenote: We (nappyafro) are gonna get back on our review grizzly. Believe that.

Anywho, the soundtrack to Michael Jackson’s highly successful movie This Is It hits the charts hard and get the #1 spot. It sold about 370,000 albums (Which is crazy). Even in death the King Of Pop is a force to be reckoned with. He even had another album/compilation (Selections From Michael Jackson) debut on the charts this week at #91. Respect.

Brian McKnight comes in at #20 with his 9th album Evolution Of A Man. He did okay and pushed 24,000 units. Even though I knownothing of this album, I can’t hate on the man though; I once went to a Brian McKnight concert.

Triple C’s prove the naysayers wrong and moves over the speculated sales figures predicted by 50 Cent. Custom Cycles & Cars lands and #44 sales 12,000 albums. Not to good? Better than the 4,000 Curtis thought they did.

Shout out to the comments section. We missed the review for Swollen Members. It’s happens (Even though I like Swollen Members the group). Their new album Armed To The Teeth comes in at #146.

I could have sworn Z-Ro’s Cocaine was a mixtape. An official mixtape? It comes in at #147.

That’s all

“Running on fumes but getting the team together.” -  Typo King.

#1 Michael Jackson/This Is It [OST] (Last Week: NA) – 373,800; Total: NA [Debut]
#10 Jay-Z/The Blueprint 3 (Last Week: #4) – 40,700; Total: 1,200,100 (Platinum) [8 Weeks]
#13 Black Eyed Peas/The E.N.D. (Last Week: #6) – 30,200; Total: 1,300,000 (Platinum) [21 Weeks]
#20 Brian McKnight/Evolution Of A Man (Last Week: NA) – 24,400; Total: NA [Debut]
#30 Whitney Houston/I Look To You (Last Week: #20) – 15,200; Total: 765,500 (Gold) [9 weeks]
#31 Mariah Carey/Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel (Last Week: #14) – 14,900; Total: 290,400 [5 Weeks]
#37 Drake/So Far Gone (Last Week: #28) – 14,900; Total: 210,700 [7 Weeks]
#44 Triple C’s/Custom Cars & Cycles (Last Week: NA) – 12,100; Total: NA [Debut]
#49 Trey Songz/Ready (Last Week: #37) – 11,300; Total: 294,200 [9 Weeks]
#91 Michael Jackson/Selections From Michael Jackson (Last Week: NA) – 6,100; Total: NA [Debut]
#146 Swollen Members/Armed To The Teeth (Last Week: NA) – 3,500; Total: NA [Debut]
#147 Z-Ro/Cocaine (Last Week: NA) – 3,500; Total: NA [Debut]

“When I throw the motherfuckin’ death blow… they don’t die right there. You expect them to die right there and they die six months later.” – 50 Cent from Gomez Bros. interview.

I’ll be the first one to admit it. I honestly thought Rick Ross had overcome 50 Cent’s full-scale assault to end his career that had claimed the lives of a few rappers in the past. Ricky had a #1 album with Deeper Than Rap, is definitely one of the hardest working men in Hip-Hop as of late (How many music videos has this guy put out this year?), and even got voted the #5 “Hottest MC’s In The Game” by MTV.

But then I heard the audio from the other day when 50 called in to the Gomez Brothers’ show on Shade45 and he made reference to his “death blow” (Around the 10:47 mark in the interview).

And then I thought about it: Did 50 Cent’s stream of baby momma interviews porno activities, cartoons, & financial records take too much out of Ricky’s career? Although Deeper Than Rap did debut at #1, right now the sales sit at 380,000 copies (It definitely should have did more with what was put into it). Triple C’s album did get released last Tuesday to almost no fanfare (Except 50’s trivia jabs, Rick Ross’s promotion & poorly received clips). Hell, we even late on the review for Custom Cars & Cycles and we haven’t gotten any comments or e-mails cursing us out about it.

To keep it all in perspective though: Honestly, this could be due to the economy. Or, did 50 Cent possibly fatally cripple another rapper? You waiting on Rick Ross’ next album?

Just thinking….

Listen: 50 Cent Interview With Gomez Bros.

Here’s the official version of Weezy’s No Ceilings mixtape. If you already got the one we put up earlier this week, this one has higher sound quality as well as four new tracks (Plus official artwork if you like to keep your iPod clean like me). Tracklisting, artwork, & download link below. Props to the homie BDK over at Tha Carter Cartel for the links!

1. Swag Surf

2. Ice Cream

3. D.O.A.

4. Gudda Gudda Skit

5. Wasted

6. Watch My Shoes

7. Break Up (feat. Short Dawg & Gudda Gudda)

8. Banned From TV

9. Throw It In The Bag (remix)

10. I Think I Love Her (feat. Tyga & Shanell)

11. Shanell Skit

12. Wayne On Me

13. I’m Good f. T-Streets

14. Poke Her Face (feat. Jae Millz)

15. Run This Town

16. I Got No Ceilings

17. Skit End

18. No Ceilings (feat. Birdman)

19. Oh Let’s Do It

20. Single

21. Sweet Dreams (feat. Nicki Minaj)

Download: Lil’ Wayne – No Ceilings [Official Mixtape]