Nas sounds the same today as he did 14 years ago. Crazy. Illmatic? That album was kinda nice.

Official HHCF Chess Kings Invitational Video Mix

Yeah right. My boy D will probably look at that title and go “Dude, I just kicked your ass at chess last Saturday.” No front, Riz is far from a chess king, but will pwn you on monopoly and checkers. Still, I’m happy to see that a brilliant event like the Hip-Hop Chess Federation Chess Kings has sparked so much interest in the hip-hop community.

A New York assemblyman has forced UMG’s hand, saying that the label should scrape Nas’ album title, Nigger, or risk losing $84 million. Peep game:

“[They are] profiting from a racial slur that has been used to dehumanize people of color for centuries,” said Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries (D–Fort Greene), a former entertainment industry big-wig.

“It is time for Nas and other hip-hop artists to clean up their act and stop flooding the airwaves with the N-word.”

Jeffries called on Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli to withdraw the $84 million that the state pension fund has invested in Universal and its parent company, Vivendi. [Source]

Nas has always been controversial, but he really stirred up a frenzy with this one. Let’s see which way UMG will lean: business or freedom of speech.

“Success” is everything you expect from two of the leading MCs in the game, but it’s far from perfect. My main gripe with:

Jigga – He flagrantly swipes an entire bar from Marshal Mathers. Can’t get away with the “I’m just biggin’ him up” excuse this time, Jay.

Esco – He keeps recycling the same annoying Jacob/jewelry lines. Esco, do you have a pact with dude or what?

Both: I’d rather hear them trade rhymes back and forth (for a change) a la Red & Meth, Snoop & Dre, Ghost & Rae, Nas & AZ, you get my drift.

The Production – None. It’s a doozy, and the track is a banger. Let this b*tch breathe, haters.

Your verdict on “Success”? Is it better than “Black Republican”?

Scarface ft. Lil Wayne, UTP, & T.I. – Big Dog Status
The undisputed King of the South teams up with Weezyianna and Machine Gun Tip on “Big Dog Status. Made drops on the ridiculously crowded December 4th.

Bonus:
Scarface – Girl You Know

Almost forgot that Trae’s second record, Life Goes On, quietly dropped on Tuesday (thanks, Matt). Seriously, if you don’t buy any other CD this month, you should definitely pick up Life Goes On. Even though I heard a pre-release version of the joint a gazillion times, I’m still going to cop the retail next time I’m at BB. You should do the same, if you care about raw talent.

I still can’t feel this hot garbage, but I know someone out there will. The soulful sample is awesome though. Anyone else catch the Boo Boo subliminals?

::Coming to America: Wyclef shares a page from his real life memoirs of an immigrant

>>For all my nerds out there, Need for Speed ProStreet demo is now available for free download. [EA.com]

>>Dallas says pull your pants up. [NPR]

>>Congrats to Dame Dash, who’s now gearing up for some diaper duties. [People]

>>Jay-Z vs. Frank Lucas: American Gangster vs. American Gangster. [Woohah!]

>>Audio: Gorilla Zoe – Trynna Make a Jug [WMA]

>>Shots Fired: Ransom vs. Joe Budden [TSS]