Opinion: 21 Savage is lucky if his relevant in a decades time…

““I don’t feel like he’s relevant,” he said over the call. “I just feel like he got a loyal fan base. He still makes good music.” The comment then prompted the co-host to ask 21 to define relevance. “Mostly connected or appropriate to what’s being done to be considered,” he then said in response” (Aron A. – ‘ 21 Savage Faces Backlash After Claiming Nas Is Irrelevant’ 14.11.2022, Hotnewhiphop.com).

Today 21 Savage shows what ignorance or hubris does to a person. It isn’t the first or the last time, a younger generation is downplaying the legends. That has happened as long as we can remember. There has always been a competition between the “New School” and the “Old School”. Still, in the case of 21 Savage… it isn’t even a battle, but just plain stupidity.

21 needs to chill and reconsider himself. If it wasn’t Drake or Metro Boomin he wouldn’t even have records hitting up the charts. It isn’t like he has a track-record or such a unique catalogue of records. No, his just another one of this generation and he should reconsider his own stance. Because, the same words can be pinned on his easily.

While Nas on the other hand has made quality music since the 1990s. He has classics like Illmatic and Stillmatic in discography. While he has other albums that supreme too like God’s Son and Life is Good. So, it isn’t like he haven’t made good music over the years. Now in the 2020s he has released 4 albums, three albums in the series of Kings Disease and Magic. These 4 albums are proving his relevancy and ability to make records for the time.

While 21 himself needs to reconfigure his own status. He is the one that could easily become irrelevant. Not like he has classics or albums that are discussed in the manner of which Nas is. Neither has he the cadence or flow, which will be timeless. I remember better the J. Cole feature on his track, than his own bars. That’s how I am seeing 21 and I cannot be alone.

Nas isn’t only a legend, but his someone that can go tour and sell-out shows. He has built up his own record label – Mass Appeal and he can re-invent himself. That’s why his using Hit-Boy for the production and it works.

21 himself would be lucky if he ever gets a career or the longevity of Nas. Nas has proven his skills and dropped gems all these years. While 21 has a more troubled time and I cannot even say one of his albums are classics or supreme. His just another of them popular rappers who comes and goes. 21 will have few years in the lime-light before dimming out of nowhere. That’s just how the game goes.

While Nas will be imprinted in the art-form. He has not only built up a name and has records that shows his craft. No, Nas is what 21 Savage wishes he himself could be. 21 should aspire to have a career and dropping such prestigious projects. Instead, 21 is downplaying and disregarding Nas for what he actually does. Nas can only be here because he has a following and people enjoy the content he produces. That’s why his relevant and is in a unique place.

A place that I ever doubt the likes of 21 Savage will have in 2 decades time. 21 have only dropped official releases since 2015 and is 7 years in the game. His nowhere near or has the versatility as Nas has over the years. Yes, Nas has two decades in addition to 21 Savage. That’s why 21 Savage should aspire to emulate or even try to get where Nas is today. He should study or try to understand what Nas has done over the years.

Instead, 21 is acting like his all that and his “it”. When his on a joint album and has needed support of other artists or heavy hitting production of Metro Boomin to be banging. Therefore, 21 Savage should consider his stance. Though we know he won’t back down or do such. He won’t loose face and retract his words.

Nevertheless, 21 Savage needs a miracle to be as relevant and as big as Nas is in 2 decades time. That’s just a fact… Peace.

Opinion: DJ Akademiks is a fool for this one

“Let these words be the last to my unborn seeds

Hope to raise my young nation in this world of greed

Currency means nothin’ if you still ain’t free

Money breeds jealousy, take the game from me” – 2Pac – ‘Hold Ya Head’ 1996

Sometimes it is like the current generation thinks they are better than the previous ones. There are all these metrics and these sorts games to scale it. While not acknowledging the founders, the ones that built it and the ones that made it possible for others. There are very few that legends and a part of the legacy of an art-form. However, those that are should be respected, acknowledged and given credit too. Not being dismissed, disregarded or mocked. It isn’t like they didn’t do anything. If they didn’t grab the micks in the park or listen to DJ Kool Herc. Some of the current recording artists, producers or DJs wouldn’t have a place to perform to begin with.

Just reading these words from Livingstone Allen aka DJ Akademics. The YouTuber, Hip Hop Influencer and Hip Hop News caster in his own right. Has carved his own niche and platform on Twitch and YouTube. As he has reported and been part of the culture for a “long” time now. However, these words are disrespectful.

“DJ Akademiks is in hot water after some of his comments about hip-hop’s pioneers. While live on Twitch, Akademiks referred to the legendary rappers as ‘dusty,’ He says, “them old rappers, man. Have you seen any of these old rappers who be like, yo, they’re the foundation of Hip Hop really living good?” he said. “Them n****s be looking really dusty, I kid you not. And none of y’all try to come for me ’cause I don’t f**k with y’all n****s either, so I’m just telling y’all the truth. Every time there be like an old, old n***a talking about Hip Hop, you be like, ‘Yo, bro. You sure you invented this? ‘Cause everybody else is looking better than you.’ Facts!”” (HOT 97 – ‘DJ AKADEMIKS TRENDS AFTER HE CALLS HIP HOP PIONEERS ‘DUSTY’, LL COOL J RESPONDS’ 22.09.2022).

There has always been competition between the “old” and the “new”. There has been that since the beginning of the art-form. That’s why Kool Moe Dee battled Busy Bee at Harlem World. That’s why Nelly challenged KRS-One. We can go on-and-on about these sorts of beefs, battles and their significant values to the culture. They are all a part of Hip Hop and wouldn’t have happened. If it wasn’t a time or change of the spectrum of it.

Kool Moe Dee challenged the then “old-school” party-MC scene and went in more lyrical. Just like that things has changed the art. There are people like Red Alert, DJ Kay Slay and others who has furthered the culture. It is plenty more and should be dozens of books telling the stories of the recordings of Sugarhill Gang. The rise of Def Jam and how other record labels became a thing. Just like producers who has changed the sounds, making regional differences and even unique beats to bring a certain type of heat. All of them hasn’t been appreciated, but their time and energy should be acknowledged.

Everyone won’t know Coke La Roc, neither will everyone know who Marley Marl is. Nevertheless, these has had a say and did significant things in this here game. More people might know about MC Shan or others who hit the charts at one point. Though everyone who participated and dropped their verses on wax has made a difference. It is a reason why the old-heads at one point wasn’t nodding along to the one-note-whacky fruityloopes beats. That was because it wasn’t boom-bap and the “golden era sound”. Everything has it’s moment and sudden a fad hits. However, the art and the music will move to the next.

That’s where DJ Akademiks forgets a simple fact. The real old-school wasn’t getting labels, signed by big corporate record companies. No, they were on the trenches and performed at clubs. Certain ones never hit the charts or ever became well-known personalities. Still, their performances and their flows inspired others who in the end did. If they didn’t perform and made entertainment. Others wouldn’t have emulated or created their own path.

Just like there are plenty of legends and heroes I haven’t mentioned. Neither has I have even touched the surface. It is just the loss of ideals and deeper understanding of it. DJ Akademiks is just disrespectful. That is the general assumption I have. It’s like he doesn’t value the people before him and the ones that has made it possible. Someone had to be there before and open up the gates. At one point… no one would believe this sort of art-form would ever go outside New York. Now it’s world-wide and even the K-Pop group Blackpink has a rapper as a part of their group. So, it’s not like they didn’t change or make a difference.

What the predecessors did was to open an avenue. Use their creativity in all parts of the culture. They embraced it and showed a way. Some prospered as lyricists, others as producers, others as graffiti-artists and others as breakdancers. They all played their parts. Calling them dusty in 2022 is just wrong.

I don’t expect everyone to go back in time and check up the early recordings. Neither does everyone look up to or see into the work of the predecessors even. Nevertheless, to just speak so ill of them and not give any sort of credit. That’s just wrong by all accounts. DJ Akademiks wouldn’t have a platform or place to speak off. If it wasn’t for the culture and how it has progressed. That’s because of others before him and who also did speak on the matter.

DJ AK has clearly a jaded vision and is only about the currency. His only about the coins and fat bank-accounts. However, some of the people before him will forever be respected. Their achievements and their participation will be reflected with time. They don’t need to be in a “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” or a Star on the pavement in Hollywood. No, their craft, their flow, beats or whatever will be part of it to this day.

Everything isn’t about the money. Money doesn’t change everything and it doesn’t make everything better even. That’s why still the rawest and most consistent parts of hip-hop is the underground and their releases outside the main-stream production. This is still where you can find the purest and the hardest bars. Therefore, DJ Akademiks forget a vital part of the industry and the culture itself. Everything isn’t for the Billbords or Nielsen Soundscan. Some parts are for the streets, the “RapGodFathers” and WorldStarHipHop. There are so many avenues and means to an end.

That’s why DJ Akademiks needs to re-assess his stance. I know he will be defiant. Nevertheless, he should be a bit more humble. Who says his name will forever ring or be relevant? Who couldn’t do his job or stream Hip Hop related content on Twitch/YouTube or have a Podcast on Spotify? Not like his the only one. Jay Smooth should have even a bigger platform than him on the sense of quality and resounding arguments on current topics. However, we cannot expect that in the current time. Because the loudmouth is getting more eyes and clicks, not the wits or the wise.

This is why I even had to write this to get a piece of mind. Peace.

Opinion: My thoughts on the Jay-Z verse on ‘God Did’

There been a lot of talk and hyping up the DJ Khaled project ‘God Did’. Yet another year, another DJ Khaled compilation album filled with hooks, radio-anthems and some harder tracks for the streets. That’s how this game usually goes and this time around there been talk surrounding the DJ Khaled ft. Rick Ross, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, John Legend, and Fridayy.

The track is around 8 minutes and 20 seconds. That’s a lot of content and needs to be consistent to be energizing. It has to a unique and special record to be able to keep your attention for that long. The first rappers like Rick Ross and Lil Wayne gets the standard 16 bars. While Jay-Z get a four minutes long verse and about 84 bars (unofficially counted myself).

The start and the 16 bars was strong, but when you continue to beat the bullet. The bars needs to vibrant and should be interesting. In this regard the first 16 bars are actually very appealing. It’s isn’t anything out of the usual. The sort of common “luxury” rap format, which we have gotten used too. The sort of rags-to-riches in a few bars story. Where you tell one thing and tell what your doing now.

The same sort of continues and the braggadocios lines are coming steady. That’s why it’s not that brilliant. It just looses steam and the story-telling isn’t really there. It is only mentioning what he has done and did in the past. He wants to be epic, but just sounds self-glorifying.

That’s why it’s all “HOV DID” and not “GOD DID” which is very deliberate. Not shocking or surprising. Maybe because he dropped an album called “Magna Carta – Holy Grail” at one point. So, he likes this sort of magnificent over his own work.

I am a listener of Jay-Z. Done since since the early 2000s, so have several of albums on my playlists. Jay-Z is a good artist and to say otherwise is foolish. However, this is not dunking on Jay-Z, but more the hype surrounding this record.

If this had been the worse on the T.I.’s “Swagger Like Us” or the “Run This Town” where it was more flavour for your ear and competition to show excellence. Because, here Rick Ross went into safety mode and Lil Wayne autotune verse was “mediocre”. So, it wasn’t like Jay-Z needed magic or be solid. He could skate on this one and not even bother actually. Both Rick Ross and Lil Wayne has dropped better guest appearances themselves. If you have followed these too… they have and even on older DJ Khaled records as well.

I expected more from the hype, more finesse, cadence and sort of word-play. In such a way that it played a bit with your mind. Here was just a A-Typical vibe and such “humble” brags that we are accustomed too.

Shawn Carter aka Jay-Z can do more. We know that and to say otherwise is nonsense. They hyped this up to get Spotify-plays and get more eyes on the newest DJ Khaled album. That’s seems like it. This verse isn’t all of that. Initially, if it was like many said on Twitter and on Social Media. I would have been hyped and over the moon. However, after listening to Black Thought’s “Cheat Codes” project. He got better bars and better verses than this. That’s just a fact and Jay-Z doesn’t have the verse of the year. Not even close… maybe commercially and with ratings.

Nevertheless, on the down-low… we know it’s not that unique or special. It was just “another one” and that’s fitting. When he did release this verse for a DJ Khaled record. Peace.

Opinion: The Game’s “love letter” to Eminem…

“When you was pretendin’ to be the white Royce da 5’9″” – The Game – ‘Black Slim Shady’

Jayceon Terrell Taylor aka “The Game” releases his new album today called the “Drillmatic – Heart Versus Mind” and his been steady releasing music since the early 2000s. His been rapper who has been long in the game. Had such a momentum and created a name on the mixtape-circuit that he had to be picked up by a major label. That just happened to be Dr. Dre’s Aftermath. Because of easier to roll out he got also put on Shady (Eminem’s record label) and 50 Cent’s G-Unit. So, the game was practically supported by three biggest stars and having the options of countless producers to make jams, which ended up in the Documentary. Everything since then is history…

Now in 2022 and with the longevity that is rare. The Game seems like his fishing for relevancy. His going back to the program of dissing and creating beef. That’s how he prolonged his stay and harden his fan-base with “G-G-G U-Not”. We know he dropped plenty of diss tracks and mixtapes targeting the G Unit at one point. So, we know that he can drop bars and be spiteful.

However, after listening to the “Black Slim Shady” the diss track against Eminem. The ten minute long with even a skit in the middle. Whatever that was the point of it is lost. It seems more like a fan lost his way and he don’t know how to admire a living legend. That’s why he tries to copy and use part of discography against Eminem. However, it is really soft and falls flat..

That he wants to do Saweetie and uses the diss to say this. Just shows how his all over the place and not consistent on the track. He maybe wanted another “300 Bars and Running” but this isn’t it. It sounds more like admiration and giving him props, than an actual diss. Like what does NFTs and Crypto got with Eminem and The Game collecting them? Good for him I suppose, but it’s not a diss that he has a digital wallet and are registered on the blockchain.

You had to go to the Third Verse for any words of resentment, but that’s more going after Eminem’s ethnicity and his associates. That’s being Royce or D12. The saying that Eminem wanting to be White Royce. Also proclaiming Big Sean or Sean Don as the biggest rapper in Detroit. That’s just trying to dismiss Eminem. While he like others also went after his daughter. Which he did with this line: “Dear Slim, Hailie’s with me and she’s unharmed for now (Dad, I’m really scared)” (The Game, 2022).

Certainly very little said or stated in this track is memorable or even disrespectful. To be a 10 minute long track, you would think there would several of bars that made you go “wow” or “did he really say that?”. Well, there is little of that, but instead getting the vibe that The Game made an unsolicited love letter to Eminem. He shows again how much he respects him and looks up to him. In such a manner that he copies and uses tropes of the old school Slim. He even made the sounds of a chain-saw, which we know Em did as well.

The Game ended with these lines: “Your fans want a rap god, well, fuck it, I’ma give him one

I came to put Slim in a box but he already live in one” (The Game, 2022).

His trying to be smart, but his sounding a like a fan who got wronged. He sounds like a man who admires and is looking up to Eminem. Plus a few side-shows, which I already mentioned and had nothing to do with Eminem.

For a man that had all the options, the biggest backers off the industry and ensured his rise to prominence. His now going after one of them to get relevancy. This is searching for a straw and going back to dissing like in G-U-Not Days. However, does days are long gone and it shows. The name-dropping machine cannot make it so entertaining as in the past.

This will get people talking and discussing The Game. It is making people react to a The Game record in 2022, but not for the reasons he wants them too. Seemingly he has lost it already and trying to catch it again. That’s why he went back to his old ways and trying to capitalize on it. There was a reason why I mentioned “300 bars and running” which could be seen as similar to the “Black Slim Shady”. The vast difference is the pin-point and the manner of which he addressed the beef.

That’s why The Game should look into himself and maybe wonder why he does this. Because, it isn’t making him look good. He wasted time in the booth and for the listener too. Peace.

Opinion: Ma$e is a walking publicity stunt

The irrelevant rapper and former Bad Boy MC is now seeking headlines. That’s why Ma$e aka Mason Betha. The flashy and shiny suits head honcho. The famous side-kick and close associate of Sean Combs aka Puff Daddy aka P. Diddy aka Diddy. He made his career with Bad Boy records and the “Harlem World” (1997) was the project that signified him. It went four times platinum!

Mase has fallen off since then. He has dropped two more projects. The sophomore LP was released in 1999 called “Double Up”. Later in his career he became a Pastor and had a church in Atlanta, Georgia. While returning with the LP “Welcome Back” in 2004. However that didn’t give him the success and the results of the past. Both these projects only got certified as gold, which was a far away from the success of “Harlem World”.

Since he returned from his tenure of being a pastor to the rap game. He went as far as relaunching “Murda Mase” and tried to get signed to the G-Unit and 50 Cent in 2005. That was certainly to get more leverage and be part of the new powerhouse of New York. However, his former label head Diddy didn’t allow that to happen. Therefore, he was only featuring on records, but never really signed to the label. Though he followed 50 Cent around for a while.

Now in 2022 he suddenly said his in Los Angles and signed to Death Row Records. The company which was in a vicious battle with Bad Boy Records in the 1990s. That infamous battle of the most prolific MCs Notorious B.I.G of Bad Boy and Tupac Shakur of Death Row. This will always signify that era and the outcome of these records labels.

So, that the former Bad Boy rapper claims or alleges to be signed to Death Row is sort of a big deal. The Death Row today is owned by Snoop Dogg. That would be a weird start to go back in time and sign an irrelevant rapper. It isn’t like Mase has made any records worthy of the streaming era. His only talked about because of interviews and sudden outrageous acts.

The 46 year rapper and former Pastor is acting all out. It is like he has to create fuzz. Just like he did with the contract situation of Fivio Foreign lately. Now he does this and says his signed. The man who wasn’t vouched to go to G Unit. What will he do at Death Row in 2022? What value would Snoop see in Mase?

Mase would fit a tax-write off and a liability, but not a credible project. There only been two projects dropped from the new Death Row and they have both been Snoop Dogg heavy. The “Bacc on Death Row” and the Death Row Summer Album. So, in 2022 the releases and the production of music has been in the lane of the label in the past. Which Mase isn’t fitting into or sounds just outlandish really.

Ma$e just wants the vibes, to be the talk of the town and be the centre of the universe again. Surely must miss the days of “Harlem World” but those days are long gone. That is proven and his momentum is gone. Unless, he all of a sudden makes a hit independently and it’s played everywhere. However, I don’t see that coming anytime soon.

I’m just wondering if he gets anything out of it. Yes, it create headlines and little press, but not something worthwhile. Instead of trying to create proper records and tracks on wax. His just being a loudmouth.

What is striking at one point he was on the trajectory of something great within the Bad Boy era. He instead wasted that and has since then worked to get back to that. Which seems impossible and the fad has moved on. That’s why even Diddy had to reinvent himself and his record label even went poppy with the likes of Danity Kane at one point.

So, Mase should either become an record-label executive in his own rights or try to drop songs that matters. Though he doesn’t seem capable of either things. Since, the last few weeks only been a shit-show. Not a good look, but then again. We are talking about him. Peace.

A review of Black Star’s ‘No Fear of Time’

This here moment…. This here moment… felt like a Detox moment. An album or an LP that would never exist. That is how this appeared to be. The original or the first instalment of Black Star was a gem and a masterpiece. So, the build-up to this one wasn’t all that and neither the choices of promoting or avenue to listen to it.

Talib Kweli and Mos Def aka Yasiin Bey are two seasoned veterans MCs. I have listen to their solo projects and enjoy their lyricism. Therefore, this here review is no disregard of their talent or their skills. That they have and only a fool would deny them that.

What made the first LP so special was the manner of which they played on each others bars. The way it was a blend of their characters and how they where a voice of reason. They showed their conscious and we wanted to hear more. Black Star was bright, witty and smart about their bars. In such a way that you didn’t mind anything.

Now over this Madlib production and with few guest verses. The duo should shine and be there. They are showing sincere approach and trying to send a message. Some of it feels forced and others are just “I am a veteran” so listen too me. For me… even some of the songs feels phoned in and not intentional at all.

It is maybe by default that the expectations versus delivery is lacking. That’s like the Dr. Dre album “Compton” which came out in 2015 and his latest project was released in 1999. So, people wanted greatness, but got contemporary sound. The same could be said Black Star this time around.

The joint with Black Thought was a refreshing song. However, the whole project as a whole isn’t as impactful or as brilliant as it could be. Just for reasons mentioned earlier. I am a fan of both artist and enjoy plenty of their body of work. That’s why a second instalment should be up my alley. But in the regard to this. I just rather put on the original where the chemistry and the tenacity is there.

Now, it feels forced and like a breezy. Only moments of excitement… and it’s really tragic man. The potential was enormous. These two are calibre MCs and are wordsmiths. So we know they can do it. It is just that product and the moment isn’t fitting. Neither is the perception or the total package. That’s why it’s not coming through as it should.

Talib Kweli has on his run dropped gems over the years. Mos Def or Yasiin Bey have been more or less retired. So, bringing him back was refreshing, but… it wasn’t no Ecstatic from him this time around.

This was “just to get by” and we the listeners ending up to “hunger for more”. Peace.

Eurovision 2022: Running speculations on the 6 Nations Jury Results that was cancelled in the last minute

“TVR’s specifications regarding the situation created by the cancellation of the result of the Romanian jury vote by the organizers of Eurovision: Romanian Television has fully committed to participating in Eurovision 2022, paying the participation fee and preparing, together with the WRS team, a project that enjoyed the public’s appreciation. However, we were surprised to find that the result of the Romanian jury’s vote was not taken into the final ranking, with the organizers assigning another set of scores to the competitors in the final, on behalf of our country’s jury. We specify that the jury in Romania decided to grant a maximum score to the representatives of Moldova” (Dan Turturica, 15.05.2022).

What was special during the Eurovision 2022 yesterday was the suddenly all in the power of the Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl. There was several of nations that this happened too. As the hosts and Executive Supervisor said was because of “lack of contact” and “loss of signal with”. While there is now claims from Romania and from the presenter of Azerbaijan Narmin Salmanova.

The latter stated this:

“I supposed to announce 12 points for Ukraine, but for some reasons EBU decided to declare their ‘own’ results for Azerbaijani jury & didn’t make video connection” (Salmanova, 15.05.2022).

“Immediately following the contest on “Sabaha saxlamayaq” Narmin Salmanova who was due to be the Azeri spokesperson said she was surprised to see results that did not align with those she was due to present. Narmin did not announce the results with Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest announcing Azerbaijan’s points instead. The Head of the “Sabaha saxlamayaq” added that:

There were no technical problems on our end. An investigation is underway on this issue, the results of which will be presented to the attention of the general public

The six countries whose jury votes were removed from the contest and replaced by the EBU with results based on previous voting patterns are reported to be: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania and San Marino. İctimai Television joins the broadcasters of Montenegro, Romania and Georgia in requesting an explanation from the EBU” (Eurovoix News – ‘Azerbaijan: İctimai Television Working to Understand Why Eurovision Jury Vote Was Not Accepted’ 15.05.2022).

I have no stakes in the game and am I sympathetic with the Ukrainian people and their cause of sovereignty. That this would be celebrated and become the victor of this years Eurovision was to be anticipated. Whole of Europe would show solidarity and make it happen. This is just making sense for everyone on the continent.

However, the way the Executive Supervisor and the EBU taking over the jury results in these nations are directly interfering and changing the results. They are indirectly telling what the nations are supposed to vote and who is the right one to do so. This is really not right and no broadcaster or jury should accept this.

The viewers of the Eurovision are used to that the neighbour countries votes on each other. That the countries around each other gives each other points. This is a tendency which we all know by now. So, that the Romanian Jury not giving points to Moldova seems weird. That would be like Sweden not giving Norway or Denmark (not part of this year, but you catch my drift). It is just normal and courtesy between the nations in question.

The Executive Supervisor and EBU has to address this, if they want to be serious and be fair. This is unfair treatment and should be held with contempt. The juries are already turning the results on way or the other. It is steering the competition as we know it, which we know it does. Alas, this is a huge blow if they did violate these broadcasters and changed their results. Then the EBU and the Executive Supervisor undemocratically decided the fate of the contest in favour of certain artists/nations. That is not a good look and could be seen as rigging, which is electioneering no one want to see in such a friendly and uniting competition as the Eurovision Song Contest. Peace.

Opinion: Young Thug will linger in jail – These RICO charges aren’t for the faint-hearted…

There been talks of the Hip Hop Police and that the authorities are working directly to look up any minority or any sort of African-American who gains certain popularity and whatnot. That has been the talk of the town. The authorities are now trying to make an example of the gang-affiliated musicians, rappers or MCs, which are there.

One of them is Jeffrey Williams aka Slime aka Young Thug. Has certainly lived the life-style he has written about and the stories he has to into his music. That can be said with certainty now. The DA of Fulton County hopefully has more than Instagram pictures and Song Lyrics. Though these are social media messaging and an artists expression. However, when you see that in consideration to the criminal activity and part of a street gang. There will certainly be more and the DA should be bulletproof in the sense of co-ordination of evidence that collaborate with the charges and the indictment.

I am just dropping a few pieces of the 88 pages indictment of the YSL Street Gang, but just reading these alone. It is compelling to see and say that Young Thug will not record or be free in a very long time.

Here is what it says, which I see as vital for the indictment and charges:

“YSL is a criminal street gang that started in late 2012 in the Cleveland Avenue area of

Atlanta, Georgia. YSL claims affiliation with the national Bloods gang. YSL’s founders were Jeffery Williams AKA “Young Thug,” AKA “Slime,” Walter Murphy AKA “DK,” and Trontavious Stephens AKA “Tick,” AKA “Slug.” Jeffery Williams, an Atlanta-based hip-hop artist, made YSL a well-known name by referring to it in his songs and on social media” (Fulton County – ‘Indictment Clerk No. 225C/82273’ 09.05.2022).

“As associates of the enterprise Young Slime Life (hereinafter “YSL”), the defendants conspired to associate together and with others for the common purposes of illegally obtaining money and property through a pattern of racketeering activity and conducting and participating in the enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity. In furtherance of the conspiracy, the defendants engaged in the activities enumerated herein” (Fulton County – ‘Indictment Clerk No. 225C/82273’ 09.05.2022).

“Defendant JEFFERY WILLIAMS, an associate of YSL, did appear in an video released on social media 16 days after the murder of Donovan Thomas Jr., stating “so a nigga lie to they momma, lie to they kids, lie to they brothers and sisters then get right into the courtroom and tell the God’s honest truth, don’t get it, y’all niggas need to get fucking killed bro, from me and YSL,” an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy” (Fulton County – ‘Indictment Clerk No. 225C/82273’ 09.05.2022).

This here will be detrimental to the career of Young Thug. However, there are plenty of victims of his gang and their activity. So, there will be people who has lost their family members and been victimized by the street gang. Therefore, Young Thug will most likely be long behind bars. He and the others will face long stints too. Especially, if the DA has the evidence and can connect it all.

That’s why the rapper and musician, Young Thug should be worried and so should anyone who wants to hear new music from him. This case and pending trial can finalize that.

The YSL RICO case could be end of his career, just like YSL has ended other peoples lives and now it comes back to haunt him. That’s what the justice system does to you and this sort of violence, racketeering and murders has to be held to account. Young Thug made it seem like he could get away with it all.

But now… the authorities got him and the Thug Life is costly for everyone. Not only the artist himself, but everyone surrounding him. It is especially tragic that he didn’t just talk about it over instrumentals, but lived it too.

Now that’s what you calling “keeping it real goes wrong”. Peace.

Opinion: Jack Harlow isn’t for me…

Kentucky’s own Jack Harlow might break someone’s heart, but I don’t care for his style or his music. By all means, good that his hitting up them charts and becoming a staple in the music industry. However, after listening to “nail tech” and saw the huge hype surrounding it. I knew that this guy, act or rapper wasn’t for me.

Jack Harlow fan-base is maybe female dominated and that wouldn’t be shocking. Nevertheless, if he showed some emotions and heartache. Both genders would listen to the tracks. If he had solid beats and rhymes to back it up. We wouldn’t mind the softer side like LL Cool J did in the past. He catered to all parties on his LPs.

However, what I have heard from Jack Harlow haven’t been it. I just don’t care. The singles and the videos isn’t even inspiring to listen to the newest full length album of him. I couldn’t care less that he has been in the past signed to Don Canon and DJ Drama. They surely must have picked up the bag and earned a fortune on the act. Because, he has blown up.

“Come Home the Kids Miss You” was maybe supposed to cement his status in the public eye. Maybe get new fans and show his levels of popularity. That’s why he has tried to snag and create headlines while simping for famous woman. Even doing that with a song to Dua Lipa on the LP as well. When we know that his been around the way and it’s not shocking.

That people compares him to Macklemore and Mac Miller is to be expected, but his not even close to any of them. Just by listening to “Nail Tech” and “First Class” his subpar and mid at best. His not a lyricists or a man of bars. No, his just mediocre and not that interesting. He has a style and been able to cater to someone, but not to the likes of me. I am not alone, as Shawn Cee and Cufboys on Youtube makes similar statements as mine.

Jack Harlow has potential and could become an inspiring fella, but at this very moment. His just mediocre and boring. The singles are not banging and that’s why I don’t even care to pick up the LP. There is no reason or incentive to do so.

I am just not the demographic his trying to hit or trying to convince. That’s why his hitting up the red-carpet trying to snatch Saweetie and other famous acts. Because, that’s how he becomes more interesting. Well, he cannot drop bars or be funny about it. He has little to no visible charisma or swagger. That’s why it’s astonishing to see him get this big. Unless, the fan-base wants a water-downed and less flavourful Post Malone minus autotune. That sort of thing makes sense.

When Spotify writes this about him: “Flaunting sleek flows, nimble wordplay, unpredictable rhyme patterns and vast ambition, Jack Harlow raps with old school dedication and raw individuality”. I wonder if these guys actually did listen to the same dude I did, because even Shawty Lo or Maino has more inspiring flows than Jack Harlow.

Jack Harlow can have all the success or platinum plaques he wants. Be my guest, but I won’t be part of the parade. No, his a water-downed Drake and has no sort of story-telling abilities worth a damn. Neither does he has the personality or the lyrics to bring me up to speed. There is no story, no beat or no vibe that catches me of guard. It is just “hot-air” and catered to radio. That’s maybe enough for some…

But for me… well… Jack… I will not come back. Peace.

Opinion: “Protecting Energy” Episode 517? No… it was protecting the ego of Joe and Royce

The recent Joe Budden Podcast with both Joe Budden and Royce da 5’9” which dropped on the 13^th March. Two days after the ‘Rise and Fall of Slaughterhouse’ album was released by KXNG Crooked and Joell Ortiz.

This podcast really shows the petty and fragile the egos of the rap group is. Royce came late into the podcast. After Joe had owned the building like he always does and his co-hosts are mediocre side-kicks. Which we knew would happen with Ice and Parks after ditching the predecessors on the Joe Budden Podcast.

Seeing how they call it “unsupervised” and mock the dress-code of Joell in the music-video. That just shows how Royce is unhappy with it. The same is Joe Budden. They are calling out the roll-out and the album itself. Saying its’ weak and that they didn’t address it hard enough. Even saying they were “short-sighted” of them.

What I am hearing from this one was very little new information. Only that they weren’t in it. Royce seems like he don’t want to take responsibility for his part of it. Alas, just push it all on the other members. While he is not saying anything bad about Joe. That seems weird to me. As he blames the others. Just like he did on IG Live last week.

It is interesting to see that Joe and Royce are more sour about the brand and the logo ish than about the music. These two are more in sync of the roll-out and how the messages was spread ahead of album. Because, to them the Slaughterhouse brand lost value…

Alas, nobody cared about Slaughterhouse for years. Just like Joe didn’t work or put the time in for anything else than his Network. That’s why as a fan to listen to his whining on the podcast does no good. Royce doesn’t to cool either. He is on his D12 bashing days in concern to the duo who made their own album.

Royce said he was “insulted” and lost “sweat equity” is also weak tea now. We know his been busy on his own. Working on Phryme and own albums. It is not like these two gentlemen is sincere about the will or worked for any joint projects. Especially, when we heard what the other two rappers tried to do.

Joe Budden spoke with a lying tone on there about not “hurting his people”. The man who don’t honour contracts, neither in Def Jam or Shady Records. While he throw Mal and Rory under the boss. While Joe will not address the contracts and possibilities that was created in the 10 year of no music.

Royce said he now wants to “protect himself and his energy” from Crook and Joell now. Where he has to hide from “narratives” and be the “bigger man”. Now it is clear that he wants to distance himself from them. Joe even called it a “slimy shit”. That shows what is really happening behind the scenes.

As a fan this is proof of the total destruction of Slaughterhouse. This Episode of Joe Budden Podcast proves this. Royce and Joe shows that they had no intention of doing anything. They were undressed in public and didn’t like it. Royce wanted to be the big-man, but not take responsibility. That is evident of listening to it.

Royce is clearly not vibing. Trying to act all out and Joe is his own self. Nothing has changed. The album only amplified it. Peace.