You can’t tell me a music video doesn’t help a song. I honestly remembering downloading Elzhi’s The Leftovers Unmixedtape towards the end of last year but for some reason, seeing the video for the Black Milk produced “Deep” really drove that track into my mind to the point that I have it playing on the iPod more times that I’d like to admit.

What’s funny is that I actually showed love to the video the day it was released (Only on the forums and the top right of the site). But hell, both the track & video deserve an upgrade. Then I can stop saying; “Man, I wished I’d posted that shit on the site!”. Especially when this video is tied with Dave Coresh’s “Keep It Movin’” as my top videos for the year (So far…).

Download: Elzhi – “Deep”
Download: Elzhi – The Leftovers Unmixedtape

On paper another Rick Ross & John Legend collaboration looks great. But to be honest with you, I’m really not feeling “Sweet Life” (I may need more listens). So why am I posting it? I guess cause it’s suppose to be off Ricky’s upcoming album Teflon Don. Plus I get to put up the other tracks that have been floating around today: One from Freaknik:The Musical and one with a Biggie sample on the hook.

Download: Rick Ross feat. John Legend – “Sweet Life”
Bonus: Rick Ross feat. T-Pain – “That’s How We Do It”
Bonus: Rick Ross – “On The Run”

Even though I’m not the biggest fan of Battle Of The Sexes, congrats are still in order for Ludacris as he not only gets the #1 spot on this week’s charts, but he also gains his fourth #1 album of his career. Add on that “How Low” has sold over a million copies. And then add on that he recently became the first rapper to appear in five number one hits on the Billboard charts. All this equals a great start for Luda this year. If you haven’t, be sure to check out Saule Wright’s review of Battle Of The Sexes here.

I’m mad cause I’ve still haven’t gave Gorillaz’s Plastic Beach a good listen. When I do (If it’s in a timely manner), be prepared for a FFWD. Gorillaz enter at #2 this week.

And lastly the Kidz In The Hall make it on that charts with Land Of Make Believe and land at #187. This is a good thing because they didn’t make the Top 200 on the last album (The In Crowd). Checked out my review of Land Of Make Believe here.

And I’ll let the numbers take us out of here…

#1 Ludacris/Battle Of The Sexes (Last Week: NA) – 137,300; Total: NA [Debut]
#2 Gorillaz/Plastic Beach (Last Week: NA) – 112,300; Total: NA [Debut]
#6 Sade/Soldier Of Love (Last Week: #2) – 52,000; Total: 951,400 (Gold) [5 Weeks]
#9 The Black Eyed Peas/The E.N.D. (Last Week: #8) – 43,000; Total: 2,271,000 (2X Platinum) [40 Weeks]
#12 Lil’ Wayne/Rebirth (Last Week: #12) – 27,200; Total: 420,400 [6 Weeks]
#22 Rihanna/Rated R (Last Week: #22) – 21,700; Total: 731,900 (Gold) [16 Weeks]
#23 Alicia Keys/The Element Of Freedom (Last Week: #19) – 19,600; Total: 1,146,200 (Platinum) [13 Weeks]
#24 Raheem DeVaughn/The Love & War MasterPeace (Last Week: #9) – 19,300; Total: 64,500 [2 Weeks]
#25 Trey Songz/Ready (Last Week: #25) – 19,000; Total: 593,600 (Gold) [28 Weeks]
#29 Jason Derülo/Jason Derülo (Last Week: #11) – 16,800; Total: 59,100 [2 Weeks]
#30 Mary J. Blige/Stronger With Each Tear (Last Week: #29) – 16,400; Total: 689,200 (Gold) [12 Weeks]
#33 Jaheim/Another Round (Last Week: #23) – 15,100; Total: 209,000 [5 Weeks]
#35 Young Money/We Are Young Money (Last Week: #32) – 14,300; Total: 375,600 [13 weeks]
#50 Melanie Fiona/The Bridge (Last Week: #37) – 11,000; Total: 259,200 [19 Weeks]
#187 Kidz In The Hall/Land Of Make Believe (Last Week: NA) – 2,900; Total: NA [Debut]

St. Patrick’s Day have never really meant anything to me. Since I’m not a drinker or even remotely Irish, it never was a big deal. Hell, according to King Jerm, Black folks shouldn’t even celebrate the “holiday”.

But for the past few years when St. Patrick’s Day comes around, one thing comes to mind: Mobile, Alabama. Yes Mobile, you took an L the day NBC 15 sent a camera crew down to investigate some leprechaun sightings. And over 13,ooo,ooo YouTube views later it’s still one of the most funny & ignorant things on the net. Everything is here to make this a viral video classic: You have your famous quotes (“Who else seen the leprechaun say yea!”), the “amateur” sketch, or even the theory that instead of a leprechaun it could be a crackhead. South Park even gave it a parody (I wonder did dude get money off of that?).

So yea, this is what I think about when St. Patrick’s Day comes to mind. Besides, the only leprechaun I know is in Houston (See what I did there?).

Download: Lil’ Flip feat. Bun B & Young Buck – “Game Over”

After no activity on the site for a few days, we back (I think). And since it’s seems like a lot of people have been waiting on this track, let’s come back on this one. Off Ski’s 24 Hour Karate School (Which drops March 30th).

Update: Instead of making another post, I just added the new track hear (Lazy right?). But with Joell Ortiz & Jay Electronica on the same track, I had to do something.

Download: Ski Beatz feat. Jean Grae, Jay Electronica, Joell Ortiz, & Mos Def – “Prowler 2″
Download: Ski Beatz feat. Mos Def & Whosane – “Taxi”

With the good response that Freaknik: The Musical received this week, I couldn’t help but think of another animated show on Adult Swim that had a rapper’s co-sign. In 2007, David Banner helped create the show That Crook’d ‘Sipp. Here’s a quick summary:

The Beauregard family, much like their Mississippi mansion, is falling apart. Relics of the Old South, this dysfunctional clan sits in stark contrast to the modern crunk-fueled Dirty South that has grown up around their crumbling estate, Frenchman’s Bend.

And if you find the art style here familiar, you’re not mistaken. While the pilot for That Crook’d Sipp was to originally receive 6 additional episodes, that plan was later scrapped in order to create Freaknik: The Musical.

Too soon to call Kanye West’s Graduation a classic album? Not at all. A few years ago when we first opened up the doors here at nappyafro, Graduation was one of the first albums I got to review for the site (Even before we made up our minds to go with the track by track format). It was also the first album on nappyafro to receive 4.5 out of 5 rating. And still to this day I find myself going back to this album and still enjoying it. Yes, Graduation more than deserves the Classic Material title.

Now I can go a lotta ways to prove this point. I could go track and track and show you how almost all the songs are top notch. Or I could talk about how the album showed progression and shifted to a more electronic feel. Or how each track fits with the whole scheme of the album. Or how Ye wasn’t afraid to share production credits with the likes of Nottz, DJ Toomp, & Jon Brion. Or how Kanye flexed his lyrical muscle and buried Weezy on “Barry Bonds”. Or even how this album gave Curtis Jackson a big L in the sales competition.

If Kanye West ended his career today he would have a lotta accolades, but this would be the go to album to showcase his talent. It also proves that he will never have the burden of trying to top his first album like some of Hip-Hop’s elite because so far Graduation is his best album.

Then why did I give Graduation a 4.5? “Drunk & Hot Girls”. In years of listening, it’s starting to grow on me. But switch that track out with the bonus cut “Good Night” and it may deserve the 1/2 of a star.

Sidenote: Front page image.

Kidz In The Hall have made changes on every album. With their debut album School Was My Hustle they were on the cusp of making a huge impact on Hip-Hop’s underground scene. On the sophomore album, The In Crowd, it seem they were ready to step up their profile (Including features from Pusha T, Travis McCoy, & Bun B) but still were overlooked even with the hit “Drivin’ Down The Block “. Now on their third album, Land Of Make Believe, rapper Naledge & producer Double-O look for another change in terms of sound. Gone now are the soul samples as we see producer Double-O make a sonic shift to synth heavy sounds and no samples. So did Land Of Make Believe turn out to be a change for the better? Let’s find out…

1. Intro
Produced by Double-O
In the beginning the first track has this sleepy feel to it. But as it progresses more instruments are added to make it really feel like your beginning a journey. Naledge drops line too: “Jill Scott said live life like it’s golden but Goldie said don’t be made at the chosen”. The album starts off on a good note.

2. Traffic
Produced by Double-O
The new sound direction is evident as this track is big on the synth. While there’s no problem with the beat (It gets better towards the end), the track as a whole doesn’t seem to go anywhere. Plus I could have doen without that hook: “Don’t get like Mike nigga, just get like me”. Average track. Coldhard of the group Crucial Conflict does the talking in the beginning and end by the way.

3. Flickin’
Produced by Double-O
This was probably the first track I heard off this album. I didn’t like it then and I’m still not feeling it now. The whole happy upbeat feel of the track really throws me off as well as the heavy Auto-Tune singing chorus. There have been songs like this that work but this one wasn’t done very well. Meh…

4. Out To Lunch
Featuring The Kid Daytona; Produced by Double-O
Minimalist production is used here. For a minute there I could have sworn this was The Cool Kids. This isn’t bad but for tracks like this, the lyrics have to take center stage. I don’t think Daytona and Naledge accomplished that here and track ends up boring.

5. Bougie Girls
Featuring Russoul; Produced by Double-O
Here Naledge big ups the upscale sisters. According to him that means reading books for Oprah’s Book Club, correcting grammar, and having good credit (Who doesn’t want a woman with a high credit score?). It seems like they were going for an anthem for these kind of women but it falls flat and sounds a little silly. The guitar riff on the beat is okay, but once again kinda boring.

6. Jukebox
Featuring MC Lyte; Produced by Double-O
Since I saw a video for this, I’m assuming that this is the first single. This is obviously aimed at the clubs (“Let me see you shake your little thang…”). I guess it works. I definitely like a little better after seeing the video (It’s not great but it helped). The beat sounds a bit dated; like “Can I Get A…” by Jay-Z dated. And where the hell was MC Lyte? Please don’t tell me all she did was that short ass hook.

7. L_O_V_E
Produced by Double-O
More synths here as well as more softness. Not to say that’s necessarily a bad thing, but the last three tracks have been like this and I don’t think it’s working. I’m was close to hitting the skip button there.

8. Will II Win
Featuring Marsha Ambrosius; Produced by Double-O
Finally. After three duds The Kidz bounce back. The track starts of simple but when the melody finally hits it makes the track complete. Plus you can’t lose when you have Marsha Ambrosius on the track. Naledge even sounds more inspired over this as he explains the struggle to get where he is now. Him talking at the end of the songs drives the point home even more (He also explains the album title). Check for this one.

9. Take Over The World
Featuring Just Blaze & Colin Munroe; Produced by Double-O & Just Blaze
Now this has the feel of an anthem. This is the kinda track you play to get inspired. Not to take away anything from Double-O, but this may have a lot to do with Mr. Justin Blaze co-producing the track. Colin Monroe provided the right voice for the hook too (Just Blaze with the Auto-Tune not so much). This is standout track.

10. Fresh Academy
Featuring Chip Tha Ripper & Donnis; Produced by Double-O
I know that Double-O previously said in an interview that the comparisons to groups like The Cool Kids & Pac Div were unfair, but the production on this track plus the fact that Chip Tha Ripper sounds a little like Mikey Rocks here, it hard not to compare this to a Cool Kids’ track. I happy to see Donnis get some shine here. Average track.

11. Simple Life
Featuring Amanda Diva; Produced by Double-O
This is basically Naledge singing on the whole track about “The small things we forget…”. I can honestly see this track being featured on Nip/Tuck (If you watch the show you get what I’m saying). At first listen I didn’t like this track but after a few listens, the sleepy production makes this very suitable for chill out time.

12. Running
Featuring Tim William; Produced by Double-O
Bouncy synth production here (Think Janelle Monae or Andre 3000). The track is okay but I’m still not sure if Naledge’s voice is right for this new direction. Tim William nails the hook and fits perfect though.

13. Do It All Again (I Am)
Produced by Double-O
Naledge reflects on mistakes of the past and how it would be if he could relive he past, “My selfish ways/I’ll never change/The lost of love/The price of fame”. Double-O provides a bigger sound this time and with the introspective of both the beat and lyrics, I’m surprise this isn’t the track they ended the album on. Still notable none the less.

14. I Am (Reprise)
Produced by Double-O
Over piano loop, Naledge spits what may be his best lyrics on the album; no hooks just him spitting for almost two minutes: “Please take heed/Still in the lead/If things get rocky then I’m Apollo Creed/Method to the madness/Smiling over sadness/Chip on my shoulder just from fucking with this rap shit”. This is actually what I was hoping for when I heard about the new sound for this album.

15. Rise & Shine
Featuring Russoul; Produced by Double-O
The Kidz end off on a good note with the last track. The songs puts a bow for the theme of the album (Land Of Make Believe = What you think fame is). Rossoul almost steals the show with his cameo (Which is much better than his first appearance on the album). With this track and the one before, they pick up the slack towards the end of the album.

Bottom Line:
Through most of the beginning of this album I thought that what Land Of Make Believe had to offer barely had anything interesting. Thankfully business picked up towards the middle and end. Kidz In The Hall should get a pat on the back for going in a new direction. But when trying new sounds, as an artists you has to remember what you are good at. This album wasn’t terrible but the sound they are going for is already being made better by other artists. You also have to note that Kidz are still trying to establish their brand. While there is some good music to check out here and this album may be liked by fans; some may want to get off the train before it heads to the Land Of Make Believe.

nappyPicks: “Will II Win”, “Take Over The World”, “I Am (Reprise)”, “Rise & Shine”

Download: Kidz In The Hall feat. Marsha Ambrosius – “Will II Win”
Download: Kidz In The Hall feat. Just Blaze & Colin Munroe – “Take Over The World”

Is 28,000 in the first week a win? Depends on who you ask but DJ Khaled’s latest album Victory grabbed the #14 spot on the chats this week. It is fair to note that Khaled’s albums never do big numbers even with all the a-list features.

Yes there are other new releases this week but I really didn’t get a chance to check out either (Both R&B/Pop), but still salute to Raheem DeVaughn & Jason Derülo.

And the numbers…

#2 Sade/Soldier Of Love (Last Week: #1) – 79,200; Total: 899,400 (Gold) [4 Weeks]
#8 The Black Eyed Peas/The E.N.D. (Last Week: #4) – 46,400; Total: 2,227,800 (2X Platinum) [39 Weeks]
#9 Raheem DeVaughn/The Love & War MasterPeace (Last Week: NA) – 45,200; Total: NA [Debut]
#11 Jason Derülo/Jason Derülo (Last Week: NA) – 42,300; Total: NA [Debut]
#12 Lil’ Wayne/Rebirth (Last Week: #6) – 31,900; Total: 393,300 [5 Weeks]
#14 DJ Khaled/Victory (Last Week: NA) – 28,000; Total: NA [Debut]
#19 Alicia Keys/The Element Of Freedom (Last Week: #12) – 24,600; Total: 1,126,600 (Platinum) [12 Weeks]
#22 Rihanna/Rated R (Last Week: #14) – 22,500; Total: 710,200 (Gold) [15 Weeks]
#23 Jaheim/Another Round (Last Week: #15) – 22,200; Total: 193,800 [4 Weeks]
#25 Trey Songz/Ready (Last Week: #26) – 20,200; Total: 574,500 (Gold) [27 Weeks]
#29 Mary J. Blige/Stronger With Each Tear (Last Week: #17) – 18,200; Total: 672,800 (Gold) [11 Weeks]
#32 Young Money/We Are Young Money (Last Week: #29) – 15,500; Total: 361,300 [12 weeks]
#37 Melanie Fiona/The Bridge (Last Week: #27) – 13,500; Total: 248,300 [18 Weeks]
#43 Jay-Z/The Blueprint 3 (Last Week: #37) – 12,400; Total: 1,657,300 (Platinum) [26 Weeks]
#50 Robin Thicke/Sex Therapy (Last Week: #31) – 11,100; Total: 336,800 [12 weeks]

The former ROC solider links up with the new one as we see J. Cole jump on a track with Young Chris. Cole doesn’t put out much music, but when he does he usually comes through (He kills his verse by the way). Good track. This is supposed to be on Chris’ The Network 2 mixtape.

Download: Young Chris feat. J. Cole – “Still The Hottest”