Redman plugs his new album, Red Gone Wild, the only way he knows–via the good ol’ fashioned word of mouf. Listen for yourself, then go cop it.

Red Goes Wild 1
Red Goes Wild 2

-Snoop and Diddy cancel UK shows. Too bad for the fans who paid body parts for the concerts.

-Hilary doubles Obama’s Hollywood money.

-Eminem and Kim agree to keep their internal wrangling…um…internal.

-50 may sue over teen assault reports.

-Jacob the Jeweler to stand trial in Detroit.

-MiJac is at it again. Plans a promotional assault in Vegas.

-In case you didn’t know this, DJ Muggs and Sick Jacken have joined the hip-hop blogosphere.

(Photo flagrantly jacked from The Fader)

I’m positive that Desire will finally see the light of day on 05-01-07. I also have high expectations for this album. I don’t know, maybe it’s because every time I hear track 4 on my ringtone, I’m reminded of Pharoahe’s versatility. Funny, that song is not event vintage P-Monch.

Monch on his worst day >> Dwayne Carter

Desire Tracklist
1. The Resurrection
2. Free
3. Desire
4. Push
5. Welcome to the Terror Dome
6. What It Is
7. When the Gun Draws
8. Let’s Go
9. Body Baby
10. Bar Tap
11. Hold On
12. So Good
13. The Trilogy

-F**k what you heard. L.A. Reid is not letting go of President Carter

-Judge withdraws plea offer, Busta Rhymes to stand trial in May.

-According to his lawyer, 50 Cent did not partake in the Lil Henchmen smackdown

-Thankfully, Fiddy changes his mind about Before I Self Destruct.

-Public Enemy reunites in Texas.

-March Madness in Atlanta. Apparently Big Boi and Killer Mike got into a fight.

-Ghost-riding rapper gets banned in the US.

-Can’t make this up.

-Rest Eazy, Erick Wright

With the exception of Em, Missy, Busta, and Kanye, no other mainstream hip-hopper puts it down in the video department like Funk Doctor Spock. The Naked Cowboy cameo at the end was unnecessary though.

Red Goes Wild this Tuesday, March 27.

(Brought to you by SmashTube)

$10 says Buck’s next album title will be I Don’t Give A Buck.

-Lauryn Hill and Lupe Fiasco are slated to perform at this year’s Springroove festival.

-Understandably vexed by Kim’s claim that he’s a lil man, Eminem takes his ex-wife to court.

-Tony Yayo assaults Jimmy Henchman’s 15-year old son.

-Lil’ Wayne makes a rhyme about kissing his daddy. One of the many reasons he’s still the best rapper alive.

-Snoop and Diddy actually want me to believe that they’re “in it for nothing”?

-Hip-hop’s best live band aims for higher ground.

-Rick James’ estate sues former publishing company.

-Russell Simmons helps raise 600k for youth arts program.

-Iced Iced Donuts, baby!

Like my friend O-Dub would say, “these things are subjective.” Still, there’s a handful of principles and elements that we can all agree on–originality, longevity, social impact, live performance, etc…

Of course, music tastes differ across the boards. And depending on your age, old school vs new school preferences vary just as much. I fell in love with hip-hop during the Native Tongues/Fresh Prince & Jazzy Jeff era, so that obviously affects my general expectations and outlook on the game. I also remember thinking that ‘Pac was the best thing to ever happen to hip-hop at some point. My preferences have evolved over the years, but one thing’s remained the same: I always value avant garde lyricists over by-the-book rappers. (Though, spewing multi-syllabic words straight outta Webster doesn’t always guarantee you a spot on my list.)

Now, it’ll be foolish to assume that we’re the only ones evolving. The rap game has diversified. And as job descriptions change, emcees adjust to match the task. What was deemed a relevant rhyme topic 11 years ago might be considered stale and redundant today.

In any case, take this list with a huge grain of salt. I don’t claim it to be the gospel. It’s just my thoughts, Ladies and Gentlemen.

• The 50 Greatest MCs of Our Time

-K-Os breaks down his album title and talks about being “the male Lauryn Hill.” (Sleep on Atlantis: Hymns for Disco at your own peril.)

-Info on T.I.’s upcoming 5th album.

-Jay-Z pays Playboy editor $1000 cash for coming out of retirement. Hmmm…let’s see, how much did Jay make by coming out of retirement? Either way, Sir Hova is a man of his words and I commend him for that.

-Return of the 18th letter. Mark your calendars, 7-7-07.

-KRS-One and Marley Marl will attempt to counter Nas’ well-known claims by releasing an album titled Hip-Hop Lives.

-Don King asks the Pope to pray for Bush. The other day on CNN, this same Don King was saying “God bless my president, George W. Bush.”

-Not even a lawsuit from the Negro Network can stop former producer D-Brad from exposing more of BET’s idiosyncrasies.

-R.I.P. Luther Ingram

-Does hip-hop hate women?

-Kanye goes back to school.

Beanie Sigel Hot 97 Interview
While speaking to Hot 97 last night, Beanie Sigel casually disclosed that he’s still on Roc-A-Fella. Jay must’ve offered him an irresistible deal.

Much more interesting is the fact that Mack Mittens hinted at the possibility of jumping into the Jay/ Jim Jones crossfire.

“I see what’s goin’ on. I gotta cap a couple people up. hear a lot of shots being popped at the big homie. I’m here, hitman-for-hire.”

Anyone who remembers the legendary Jadakiss vs Beanie Sigel feud knows that this has the potential to be intriguing. Nah, I take that back. This one’s a mismatch.

(Audio via: SmashTunes)

Say what you want about Tha Blue Carpet Treatment, this is actually one of my favorite songs from that album. As for the video, well, let’s just say Nas lost again.