I guess we can stop bitching about the lack of Hip-Hop album releases (Well, at least for this week), because we have 7 Hip-Hop debuts on the charts this week. Yeah. I can’t even do any rambling in this intro. Let’s just get to the numbers….

I’m most happy for Kid Cudi this week as his Man On The Moon: The End Of Day moves over a 100,000 units and lands at #4. For a new artist; especially a new Hip-Hop artist, this is great. With all the hype surrounding releases by Jay-Z and Raekwon the prior week, it’s good to see Kid Cudi still rewarded for putting out a good album. [You can read H20's review of Cudi's Man On The Moon here]

Drizzy Drake finally makes his official debut on the charts with his career defining So Far Gone. I previously stated what I felt the retail release of this album, but I guess I now see that selling 70,000 copies of a mixtape that came out for free in the beginning of this year is easy money. This does tell me that Drake has the ability to do some major numbers when Thank Me Later comes out next year. [It's over 8 months old, but you can still read V-G's original review of the So Far Gone mixape here]

I honestly thought Lil’ Boosie’s 2nd studio album Superbad: The Return Of Boosie Bad Azz would do better numbers. Not to say that coming in at #7 is a bad thing, but with the way the leak was handled (Jay-Z should take notes) and Bad Azz’s following, I figured his fans would support better. But this may be smalls potatoes to what Boosie is dealing with right now. [V-G comes through again. Check out his review of Superbad here]

T-Double-D returns to the charts and keeps it thug with his 8th album Finally Famous: Born A Thug, Still A Thug. This album may not grab another plaque for Trick Daddy (Surprisingly he has 6; mostly Platinum); but it’s the first one on his own label Dunk Ryders Records. I guess it’s still a win for the 305. [King Jerm gives Trick his props in his review for Finally Famous here]

Wow. New Boyz almost sold 10,000 albums with their new album Skinny Jeanz And A Mic. Um, I really don’t have too much else to say about this. Maybe I’m too old to “jerk”. [V-G has been on fire recently! He also reviewed Skinny Jeanz And A Mic...even though we didn't ask him too. Look at that here]

KRS-One & Buckshot collaborative effort Survival Skills lands on the charts at #62. Hey, it could have been worse; M.O.P.’s new album Foundation, that didn’t even chart this week. Seeing that the last few releases by both KRS and Buckshot didn’t do this well, 8,600 is sales could be much worse. [Saule Wright schools you youngster with his Survival Skills review here and I draw the short straw on M.O.P.'s Foundation review...here]

The only album we didn’t review this week was Q-Tip’s de-shelved Kamaal The Abstract. You see, we try not to/usually don’t review mixtape, compilations, or re-releases and this album (Which was suppose to come out in 2002) has us confused on what we should do. But hey, what do we know? B-Double (aka Your Favorite White Boy) gives you reasons why you should have already bought that album at his home turf.

And lastly, Jay-Z stays strong at the #1 spot and sells almost 300,000 copies of The Blueprint 3. Can I mention this without being called a stan? Did you also notice that his wife’s album jumped up 15 spots after the Kanye/VMA/Taylor Swift incident? Coincidence? I think not.

#1 Jay-Z/The Blueprint 3 (Last Week: #1) – 297,900; Total: 774,000 (Gold) [2 Weeks]
#2 Whitney Houston/I Look To You (Last Week: #3) – 155,600; Total: 554,500 (Gold) [3 weeks]
#4 Kid Cudi/Man On The Moon: The End Of Day (Last Week: NA) – 104,300; Total: NA [Debut]
#6 Drake/So Far Gone (Last Week: NA) – 73,600; Total: NA [Debut]
#7 Lil’ Boosie/Superbad: The Return Of Boosie Bad Azz (Last Week: NA) – 48,900; Total: NA [Debut]
#10 Black Eyed Peas/The E.N.D. (Last Week: #7) – 40,200; Total: 1,111,300 (Platinum) [15 Weeks]
#14 Trey Songz/Ready (Last Week: #6) – 26,800; Total: 204,700 [3 Weeks]
#21 Maxwell/BLACKsummers’night (Last Week: #17) – 21,400; Total: 762,000 (Gold) [11 Weeks]
#22 Raekwon/Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… PT II (Last Week: #4) – 21,300; Total: 89,200 [2 Weeks]
#31 Eminem/Relapse (Last Week: #32) – 13,900; Total: 1,438,500 (Platinum) [18 Weeks]
#34 Trick Daddy/Finally Famous: Born A Thug, Still A Thug (Last Week: NA) – 13,300; Total: NA [Debut]
#36 Pitbull/Rebelution (Last Week: #24) – 13,000; Total: 72,100 [3 Weeks]
#40 Beyonce/I Am…Sasha Fierce (Last Week: #55) – 12,900; Total: 2,413,700 (2x Platinum) [44 Weeks]
#56 New Boyz/Skinny Jeanz And A Mic (Last Week: NA) – 9,800; Total: NA [Debut]
#62 KRS-One & Buckshot/Survival Skills (Last Week: NA) – 8,600; Total: NA [Debut]
#77 Q-Tip/Kamaal The Abstract (Last Week: NA) – 6,500; Total: NA [Debut]
#NA M.O.P./Foundation (Last Week: NA) – 2,100; Total: NA [Debut]

Typically, when we think of Pro Black, prideful, conscious rap, KRS-One tends to triumphantly erupt from our souls as the poster child and is highly regarded as a top 5 emcee…probably more like top 3. It doesn’t take much effort or digging to get into a conversation about this man or his greatness. Buckshot’s name may not have the same resounding name recognition for someone who isn’t heavy into the game. It’s not because he’s not an ill emcee, but the byproduct of being a part of such lyrical assassin groups as Black Moon and the Boot Camp Clik. While grinding on the underground scene, those that are familiar with his work were ready to celebrate when they heard that these two verbal samurais were working on this project together.

1. Survival Skills
Featuring DJ Revolution; Produced by Illmind
If this is the tone for the album, I’m ready to be excited. This isn’t about glossy production and bounce, this is about returning to bass, beat, and intensity. Now, I’m sure we may get some polish and pretty effects later, but this one comes off like one of the hard hitting NY throwbacks. You also get a taste of what could be ahead with Blastmaster working this track and his flow to his advantage and Buckshot Shorty playing the Geeche Suede to his Sonny Cheeba with a smooth sound and style that works with KRS brash lyricism. The hook throws me a little, but the lyrics and track are too fly to ignore…shout out to some old school scratching.

2. Robot
Produced by Havoc
This is the lead single for the album and I can’t even pretend to like the melody of the hook. The message is one that I’m sure we will hear a lot more of in the near future (and I welcome that). Havoc keeps the theme feeling from the first track as our duo do a job of blending and not competing while both offering some of the illest commentary on the current state of the industry.

3. The Way I Live
Featuring Mary J. Blige; Produced by Black Milk
Anthem, period. The production on this joint is fantastic and Mary J. proves again that she’s one of the best to do this Hip-Hop hook thing. KRS literally destroys this song with his insightful lyrics and inspiring flow. Hell, this may be my new alarm in the morning. This is one of the best songs I’ve heard this year. If this one doesn’t make radio, all the execs need to be fired. Sometimes, things are ready for the radio because they NEED to be heard, not because they are designed to be played on the air.

4. Clean Up Crew
Featuring Rock (of Heltah Skeltah); Produced by Illmind
The track is cool, still hard hitting, but something about this one doesn’t really grab me. Lyrically, it’s ok. The concept is pretty straight forward, as you see the title, but it comes off overdone to me. Like, the analogy of cleaning, cleaning supplies, janitors, etc, gets a little boring to me after a while. It’s creative and I get it…but yeah. You’ve got to hear it, I guess the best way for me to say it is that it’s creative, but not as clever as I’d expect or hope for.

5. Oh Really
Featuring Talib Kweli & Geo (of Blue Scholars); Produced by Marco Polo
Talib! Oh shit, I’m ready…for him to only be on the chorus? Yeah, that’s all we get. Hey, I was hoping he was going to do his thing. Again, a tough track that plays the proper role and lays the foundation for offerings like this one from KRS, “I’m naughty by nature/raunchy by nature/forty by nature/y’all corny by nature/meanin’ all y’all naturally wack/and I’m naturally dope like coke before crack/but really, I’m more like the weed in this rap/and these new jacks are more like the seeds in this rap”.

6. Connection
Featuring Smif-n-Wessun; Produced by Moss
We still get grit on this one, but with a healthy dose of dark ominous chords in the background. This song is one of the missteps on the album for me. The song becomes boring and at 5:23 seconds, it’s too long to sound like this. The one thing I will mention is KRS line at the end of the song…damn…damn meaning GOOD!

7. Runnin’ Away
Featuring Immortal Technique; Produced by Black Milk
I hate to be lazy or come off like I’m on some bullshit, but Immortal Technique did some unmentionable shit to this song. Really, I don’t even want to cloud your this song review with talk about the other shit, Immortals offering wore the paint off my rewind. Just take a listen at the bottom.

8. Think Of All the Things
Featuring K’naan; Produced by DJ Mentplus
There are certain things you all know about me at that I need in albums. I don’t pretend to be the almighty scholar on all things Hip-Hop, and I Will Not Apologize for how I evaluate albums. You all know that I am a stickler for lyrics, beats, hooks, production and flow of an album. I LOVE this song…aside from KRS singing. The message is fantastic, but I have trouble with it on this album or at least hear. It just seems odd right here and now.

9. One Shot
Featuring Pharoahe Monche; Produced by Nottz
This beat drives me crazy, and not in a good way. It’s set on the down beat so you can’t really nod where you’re used to nodding…you’ll get it when you hear it. It’s not as jarring with further listens but it has yet to resonate with me. Monche is another of of those guys that doesn’t get the notoriety that he deserves in the business but unfortunately, I can’t say that he offered anything to change that. He’s only on the chorus. I do like the structure of this song and the lyrics offered as well.

10.Amazin‘
Featuring Sean Price & Loudsmouf Choir; Produced by Khrysis
Y’all know about the love the Fro’ has for the Justus League, so shout out to Khrysis right out the gate. I should probably listen to this again and count how many times they say amazing since that is the concept of the song…but oddly enough, it doesn’t get old. I’ve never heard one word sound like so many different words as I do with KRS stressing different portions of the word and the words before and after it. Buckshot continues to prove that this album is collaboration and not a competition as he lends a different sound but flow that is second to none.

11. Hear No Evil
Produced by Khrysis
Definitely a different sound on this track. Appropriately I feel like the resounding, rejoicing, triumphant horns are recruited to play at the name and theme of the song. This song is good, the track stands out on this one though.

12. Murder 1
Featuring Bounty Killer; Produced by Coptic
Another decent song, another song that doesn’t really flow with the album. Bounty is relegated to the hook and not intermingled enough to get this one over for me.

13. We Made It
Featuring Slug (of Atmosphere); Produced by Illmind
The thing that I think is most important to note about this song is how differently each emcee approaches the topic of “made it.” KRS comes with a story of life from seed to success, Slug speaks about his personal struggles and triumph in life, and Buck speaks about his motivation to be successful and make it. This is a really good song for any aspiring rappers to check out.

14. Past, Present, Future
Featuring Melanie Fiona & Naledge (of Kidz in the Hall) ; Produced by 9th Wonder
Miss Fiona will be dropping her album next week and if her vocals on this one are any indication, if you like the feel of Amel Larrieux silky voice, we need to be on the lookout. 9th Wonder is on his shit as usual, and just like most of the previous 13 tracks, lyrically, this song is really good. It’s good to see Naledge getting some shine as well.

Bottom Line:
This album is feature heavy, but that is a bit misleading. With three of the features just being on the chorus (when both of them should have been spitting) and the rest doing a pretty good job of blending with the album, it doesn’t come off as feature heavy as it is…if that makes sense. This album seems to get looser as it drones on and a lot of the grit and grime gets polished and cleaned up by track 14. There are hiccups which I attribute more to my own ideas and what I want rather than them being bad tracks. The lyricism on this album is really dope and inspiring as well is the structure of some of the songs. In a industry that tends to go with verse, hook, verse, hook format, this team offers some different set ups and interesting collaboration and subject matter throughout. All in all, this album is probably going to be a must have for those that love either KRS or Buck, but I don’t know that it will win any new fans or make a big commercial splash. To that matter, I haven’t decided if that’s more a commentary on the state of music or about our desire/disdain for hearing things that are different to what we like…or maybe just me.

nappyPicks: “The Way I Live”, “Survival Skills”, “Oh Really”, “Amazin”, “Runnin’ Away”

Download: KRS-One & Buckshot feat. Mary J. Blige – “The Way I Live”

Download: KRS-One & Buckshot feat. Immortal Technique – “Runnin’ Away”

After having this song stuck in my head all week, and the fact that B-Easy hated on my choice for Song of the Week, I knew that I had the right song! (Actually he said Black Moon was boring, but I’ll let you guys do the roasting for that!) Back in the day when “How Many MC’s” dropped, some would argue you down that Buckshot was one of the nicest in the game. Back in 1993 when Black Moon dropped their underground classic Enta Da Stage, the Brooklyn MC was the crown jewel of the group. I can’t say that I was on the wagon in the beginning, but thanks to this dude named VJ back in high school, he put me on to one of the hottest songs of the time. This song captures the “East Coast Renaissance” of Hip-Hop in its essence; you have nice lyrics to accommodate the beats by Evil Dee and Da Beatminerz. If you haven’t heard this song or even heard of Black Moon, you most definitely need to check this one out!

Download: Black Moon – “How Many MC’s…”

Album: Enta Da Stage
Year: October 19, 1993

You know what time it is. Welcome to The Numbers Game; your weekly dose of who did what on the Billboard 200 (Just R&B/Hip-Hop folks). This week we see Lil’ Mama under perform, Estelle getting overlooked, The Roots do..The Roots, and Buckshot & 9th Wonder getting really overlooked. Hey at least we get some Hip-Hop/Rap releases in the Top 50. Okay, let’s begin…

#2 Mariah Carey/E=MC² (Last Week: #1) – 95,400; Total: 741,500 (Gold) [3 Weeks]
#4 Lyfe Jennings/Lyfe Change (Last Week: NA) – 80,000; Total: NA [Debut]
#6 The Roots/Rising Down (Last Week: NA) – 54,000; Total: NA [Debut]
#23 Jordin Sparks/Jordin Sparks (Last Week: #20) – 19,600; Total: 716,500 (Gold) [24 Weeks]
#25 Lil’ Mama/VYP: Voice Of The Young People (Last Week: NA) – 18,600; Total: NA [Debut]
#26 Rick Ross/Trilla (Last Week: #15) – 18,300; Total: 484,000 [8 Weeks]
#32 Alicia Keys/As I Am (Last Week: #24) – 16,600; Total: 3,432,400 (3x Platinum) [25 Weeks]
#41 Atmosphere/When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold (Last Week: #5) – 14,000; Total: 50,500 [2 Weeks]
#42 Danity Kane/Welcome To The Dollhouse (Last Week: #25) – 13,900; Total: 452,300 [7 Weeks]
#46 Mary J. Blige/Growing Pains (Last Week: #37) – 13,000; Total: 1,447,500 (Platinum) [20 Weeks]
#49 Flo Rida/Mail On Sunday (Last Week: #27) – 12,800; Total: 214,000 [7 Weeks]
#137 9th Wonder & Buckshot/The Formula (Last Week: NA) – 5,800; Total: NA [Debut]

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.

Intro
Featuring The Formula Crew
Nothing hard, nothing complex, just a feel good intro to start off the album. Buckshot takes the time to explain his formula, and his “Formula Crew” pipe in to argue about their own “formula.”

Ready (Brand New Day)
This feels like it could have started the album off too. 9th Wonder brings the chipmunk (ready for a brand new dayyy!) along with his digital-belting trumpets to equalize the beat. Nothing special, but it passes the test.

Be Cool
Featuring Swan
The tone in Buckshots’ voice is that of an annoyed ex, which is where he is situated on this track. When Swan comes in, she plays his former other-half, but Buck just ain’t having it. And is it just me, or does the “wooing” sample vocals in the background sound like a train strolling through? Overall, a nice hand clapper.

Go All Out
Featuring Carlitta Durand
This was the first single from the album, and at first I really wasn’t feeling its vibe. Overtime it grew on me though, and one thing that is noticeable after throwing it on repeat is its sonic sound. Every little spliced part falls right into place as the track goes on. Quality.

No Future
After listening to the album the first time through, this was one of the tracks I went straight to for a second and third listen. I’m definitely feeling the darker vibe, from the beat to Buckshots’ lyrics.

Hold It Down
Featuring Talib Kweli & Tyler Woods
Similar in type to “No Future,” the production from 9th is not so much heavy as it is dark. I swear, the storyline for the music video was almost exactly as I imagined it would be when I first listened to it (it’s ok, you don’t have to believe me). Talib jumps on this to give it some extra NY wordsmith. Also, from the few tracks I’ve heard Tyler Woods on, he is most definitely a soul brother to be reckoned with.

Whassup With U
Featuring Keisha Shontelle
Aww man. The beat for this one is just clean, an absolute head nodder. If Buckshot had a true swagger track, this would be it. And featuring Keisha Shontelle (like on their previous collabo album) on the hook just completes the trifecta. Mix a sexy voice with a sassy tone, and you get a fly lady like Ms. Shontelle.

Only For You (Lou)
After the previous heater, it’s difficult to jump right into this track. It’s much slower and softer, as Buckshot gives shout outs to past friends and family. Though you can hear the passion in his voice for Lou, it just doesn’t fit his demeanor no matter how you want to slice it. Not one of 9th’s best beats either, as the production is somber and stagnant, almost depressing.

Just Display
I’m on the fence with this one. Buckshot spits some cautious words about “that” club girl you have to worry about. However, the production on this one isn’t as great as the bulk of the earlier tracks. Overall, an average track with a good lesson.

Here We Go
Having more of an R&B feel, this track features Buckshot getting his grown man on. His swagger is not so much sly as it is a command though. Also, the hook’s repetitive chant of “here we go” is a bit dull.

Throwing Shade
This is one of the most complete records on the album. 9th brings pure mastery on this melodic banger, which is a great thing considering the last three tracks lacked an enticing vibe. Buckshot has his way with the wordplay as he raps about intermingling in someone else’s relationship. Definitely a player move on his part.

Shinin’ Ya’ll
Featuring Arafat Yates & Big Chops
And then we get this. All three rappers jump in like it’s a cipher, but the beat is nothing close to this same environment. Although it’s a close race, I would say Buckshot got “shined on” by both Arafat Yates and Big Chops.

Man Listen
A good track to end the album with. Buckshot raps through a catchy soul sample mixed with strings, and his words are straight and direct with a hook that has a hopeful outlook; “it’s a new day, a brand new mission.”

Bottom Line:
Much like on Chemistry, Buckshot brings very few rappers to the project, which is an instinctively good idea. This gives him the chance to make or break the album, and he does a fairly good job of holding 9th Wonder’s beats down. Likewise, 9th Wonder brings some extra heat on this album to boost his ever-expanding catalog and resume. However, full collaboration albums are always going to have some hits and misses no matter how you plan for it. The Formula is no different. Most of the tracks are above average, yes, but there was not enough growth between this and Chemistry. Of course, both of them have several ventures outside of this, and that could have hindered their collective creativeness together. Ultimately, I enjoyed their latest installment together because, let’s be real, you can’t go wrong with tracks from 9th and bars-galore from the leader of BCC.

nappyPicks: “Throwing Shade,” “Whassup With U,” “Hold It Down,” “No Future,” & “Man Listen”

Download: 9th Wonder & Buckshot – “Throwing Shade”