At the O2 Exclusive Album Launch Party…

Here’s the cultural appreciation-stanchioned video of Janet Jack-Me & Nelly’s “Call on Me”

And here’s a video of Janet asking you to “puh-leeze” design her album cover.

Depending on how people respond to this one, I might start doing weekly/monthly CD giveaways.*

You can now receive a free copy of Rhymefest’s Blue Collar CD by simply answering these questions in the comment section. The first person to answer both questions correctly wins the contest.

1). Prior to Blue Collar, Rhymefest had released a poorly-received underground album titled_____________
2). “Fever” is one of the singles from Blue Collar. ___________ produced “Fever”?

Update: A winner has emerged. Damn, that was faster than I expected. Jurassic 5 next week.

*Idea flagrantly jacked from Joey

I’m really not feeling his album, but Skateboard P’s execution on this commercial is flawless.

I wonder what hip-hop artist HP will court next?

Teen Arrested in Sniper Shooting
Game Hooks up with Nas and Mary J Blige on New Album
Janet Sparks Doubt Over Rumored Marriage to Jermaine
Mo’Nique Thrown Off Airplane, Pulls Race Card
Immortal Technique Weighs in on Middle East Crisis

Check out my crazy story and amateur pictures from LeToya’s album release party Monday night.
More pictures here and here.

1. Intro
2. First Born
3. 4:21…The Day After
4. Ya Mean ft. Fat Joe & Styles P
5. Things They Say ft. Lauryn Hill
6. Muddy Tims ft. Redman
7. M.E.T.H.O.D.
8. Life and Death ft. Killa Sin
9. Stat Bwoy ft. Streetlife
10. Non Alcoholics ft. Tash
11. Rude Awakening
12. Low ft. Ghostface Killah
13. Grab Hold
14. One ft. RZA & Streetlife

That “Ya Mean” track is a-ok, nothing special. Glad to see that Red and Ghost made the cut. I mean, for some odd reason I kept thinking Bobby Brown was going to be on this. Thoughts?

Related Posts:
Nas - Hip-Hop Is Dead…The N Tracklist
The Roots - Game Theory Tracklist

R & B–hell Black Music as a whole–is depressing right now, but I’m willing to give Mya a chance. Moodring was decent sans a few forced collabos (read: Lloyd Banks). She needs to crawl out of her hermittage and join the girl fight: Xtina vs Janet vs Beyonce vs Ciara vs LeToya…Speaking of Toya, she’s the reason I’m late for today’s post. I’ll explain (along with photos) much later. For now, enjoy Mya’s promo photos for Liberation–her new album.

Yes kids, it’s true that I share my birthday with Mya Harrison.

Mas Mya Photos
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Little Brother - Step Off
I don’t know what this is going to be on, but I remember Phonte mentioning on his blog that they’re already working on the next album. “Step Off” sounds decent as an album track. The production is a bit sleazy, but Tay and Pooh’s sharp lyrics are undeniable. It’ll be interesting to see what direction they go with their next release, seeing as they’ve emptied the vault on The Listening and The Minstrel Show.

AZ - The Animal (produced by DJ Premier)
Anthony Cruz is nasty on this Premo beat. It also goes without saying that Premier has finally evolved, tossing out his signature drums and hi-hats for a thumping bassline and flourishing piano licks. That’s what real kings do.

Bonus Cuts:
Jay Dee/J Dilla - Diamonds (from Shelved MCA Album) : Fuego!
Too Short ft. Snoop - Keep Bouncing: The ATCQ sample won me over.
Ras Kass - King of Tha West: No arguments there.

Janet Jackson on the set of her “Call Me” music video.

She got the whole Samurai thing going on. Sorry fellas, no wardrobe malfunction this time.