Hip-Hop no longer dictates what’s hot in the streets but absolutely everywhere, so it should come as no surprise that rappers — even those yet to get score a bunch of platinum plaques– are playing pitchman for everything, from Snickers to Honda.

The rap game has influenced fashion for decades, but just a few years ago, the only rappers to get their own kicks were Jay and 50 (and somehow Funkmaster Flex, as well).  Fast forward to ’09 and everyone from the likes of Jeezy to Yeezy have been called on to promote shoes or even design them, for major players such as the Three Stripes and the Swoosh.

The latest to rock with the Vector though is indie rap duo Kidz In The Hall. To mark the release of Reebok’s Classic Remix Collection, the brand tapped the Kidz to remix the classic Special Ed track “I Got It Made” to be offered as a free download with the purchase of the shoes.  “[Reebok] took a chance on us because they see us as being the future.  We made our own buzz, we made our own lane, so for a brand like Reebok to recognize that and to want to attach itself to what we do is humbling,” said Kidz In The Hall MC Naledge of the partnership.

The duo debuted their rendition of “I Got It Made” on Friday (March 13) during a live performance at Footlocker’s Times Square location.  Opening up with the standout cuts “Love Hangover” and “Drivin’ Down The Block” from their sophomore album, The In Crowd, Double-O and  Naledge closed out the 20-minute set with the featured remix in front of a packed store.  During the performance, you were hard-pressed to find a working employee.  There was one, however — a commission-hunting dude — loudly advertising the irresistible deal on socks at 2 for $20, a steal which Naledge co-signed on the mic.

Now, it’s Snickers to tube socks.

For more details, watch the video below:

Kidz in the Hall – Reebok Classic Remix from reebokclassicremix on Vimeo.

And to check out Reebok’s full Remix Collection in a gallery below:

– Devin Chanda

Say what you will about Kanye’s ego (we’ve certainly said our fair share), but homey’s hinted at its gi-normous potential since The College Dropout when he rapped, “I use my arrogance as the steam to power my dreams.”

Come to think of it, though, the turning point when ‘Ye transformed from plain old Kanye West to ex-mulleted Martin Louis King was quite possibly September 11, 2007—the now-infamous Soundscan battle with Ferrari F-50.

The man now known as Pimpin’ Curly hasn’t been the same since that day, either.  From taking down Murder Inc. and triumphing over career criminal Kenneth McGriff, 50 thought he was actually bulletproof… until ‘Ye outsold him and stole his aura of invincibility that he’s been running with since.

It’s been rough for 50, with even Anderson Cooper calling out the loss he took, even though it’s going on two years.  And now, ‘Ye might be stealin’ his steez once again.

In his spread with Details magazine, ‘Ye’s all hooked up to an EKG machine for his pictorial (at least I think that’s what it is—my med schooling was the movie version of M.A.S.H.), kinda like how 50 was way back when for his “In Da Club” video, so I smell a jab (or maybe not).

Regardless, for 50, that video unfortunately was his pinnacle and what he might be best remembered for.  The image of him, 50 “The Rapper” Beefcake, hooked up to machines and running on a treadmill while Em and Dre play Drs. Frankenstein has been forever burned in our memories (as well as that stupid ass song).

As for what lays ahead for the Queens emcee, probably just more Curly videos and Wayne-baiting unless Dre holds him down with some Detox beats.  For ‘Ye, well, he’s made it pretty clear in the aforementioned Details piece.  Proclaiming his love for fashion and even comparing Marc Jacobs to Jay-Z (“… the feeling I get when I look at him is exactly what I got when I’d look at Jay-Z in the studio”), West just might have a “Big Brother” fashion line in the works.

But who will be the big-name designer West will unseat on his way to the top?  Simply because he looks like a rapper, my guess is this guy…

West and Nigo are cool, considering he dropped verses for the chicken Teriyaki Boyz.  But with Kanye—and even 50 for that matter—being one of the most unpredictable dudes around, ya never know…

Maybe we’ll get the picture once the weapons sketches is drawn.

– Devin Chanda

Want to know who else ‘Ye is beefing with? Click here!

And if you love 50 and his antics, then click here!

Hip-hop heads—you know, those cats who choose not to rock out to Bon Jovi while playing Guitar Hero—have long been ignored by the video game world (except those incredibly dope Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater soundtracks). However, they just might find themselves spinning away on turntable controllers this summer, with the release of both DJ Hero (brought to you by the Guitar Hero folks) and Scratch: The Ultimate DJ (peep the screenshot).

Little is known about the former, but the latter title is shaping up quite nicely. Set to drop for PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii, Scratch will feature music from Eric B and Rakim, Kanye West, Beastie Boys, and The Gorillaz… and unfortunately, The Black Eyed Peas and Nelly. Beasties DJ Mix Master Mike will provide some original tunes as well.

Since summer’s a damn long time away, though, break out PaRappa the Rapper for PS1 and relive hip-hop gaming glory while you patiently await the scorching sun.

-Devin Chanda

As this year’s Oscar race proves, there’s been a dearth of great movies recently.  In fact, most movies have been rather shitty and there’s even more on the horizon.  Thankfully, you can weed through some of the trash just by their names. (Inspired by Shahendra’s post on rappers a while back.)

High Kick Girl

As you can imagine, it’s about girl who kicks high. Brought to you by Fuyuhiko Nishi, the Japanese dude behind Shaolin Girl, about, you guessed it, a girl who’s a shaolin-trainer.

The Expendables

… which just about describes the group of “actors” in this workout video “film.” Stallone. Statham. Lundgren. Li. Couture (that’s Randy Couture, resident UFC meathead). Mickey Rourke just signed on as well, so they filled their “wrestler” slot, albeit rather cheaply. But why not go for broke? Get Ahhnuld, the Ultimate Warrior, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Brian Bosworth. Pacman Jones is available, too. It’ll be like Ocean’s Eleven but with gunshots instead of dialogue, gunshots instead of loungey jazz music, and strip clubs (Pacman’s natural habitat) instead of casinos. In other words, epic.

Oh yeah, written and directed by Mr. Stallone.

The Minis

This one’s kinda vague so you might investigate further.  Then you discover Dennis Rodman is in it.  And what’s a Dennis Rodman film with Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Street Fighter:  The Rise of Chun Li

First off, the first one was the plague *cough* Jean-Claude Van Damme *cough* so the words “Street Fighter” should be banned from movie marquees. Second, it’s about Chun Li, favorite character of just about no one who played the games (emphasis on played because SF hasn’t been good since Genesis days). The only characters anybody remembers is Ken and Ryu.

If the producers just wanted to find a shitty vehicle to give an Asian actor a lead, why not give the Indian dude with the Stretch Armstrong complex a film instead. Third, (and I digress) Brett Ratner and Uwe Boll are not involved so you can’t blame this on them.

But on the contrary…

Lesbian Vampire Killers (peep the preview below) will be awesome.

-Devin Chanda

Perhaps the product of spending too much time with fellow Child Rebel Soldiers Yeezy and Pharrell, Wasalu’s picked up the singing bug as well.  Thankfully, there’s no Autotune to be found *kisses Jesus piece* but Lupe has opted for the dreaded fake British accent instead (blame Madonna).  To up his bloke credibility, homey has adopted the alias of ‘Percival Fats’ as lead singer of punk-ish band Japanese Cartoon. Take a listen here of the band’s first three tracks to leak.

Make of it what you may.

-Devin Chanda

Unlike previous years, nothing groundbreaking was revealed at this year’s Macworld convention but aspiring filmmakers, musicians, and writers will be pleased. That “I’m A PC” dude won’t be.

17-Inch MacBook Pro:

• At 6.6 pounds and less than an inch thick, it’s the world’s lightest and thinnest 17-inch notebook.
• $50 anti-glare option on the screens
• longest battery ever

iTunes:

• By the end of the first quarter, every one of iTunes’ 10 million will be DRM-free, with improved quality of 256 kbps AAC encoding
• You can upgrade your entire purchased library to iTunes Plus.
• Three different pricing levels of $0.99, $0.69, and $1.29, depending on pricing from record labels

iLife:

iPhoto

• Faces: Tag someone’s picture with a name and iPhoto creates a snapshot of the person.  Then, using face detection, iPhoto will find other instances of that person in the rest of your photos.

• Places: Another way to organize your photos, this time according to where the photos were taken. Using GPS geotagging, iPhoto will produce a map with pins of where you snapped your pics.

• built-in support for Facebook & Flickr.

iMovie

• Animated travel maps: 3-D globe and 2-D map renderings showing where you’ve traveled in your videos

• Image stabilization to remedy shaky hands
• X-ray and aged film effects if you want to toy around with the look of your videos

Garageband

• Learn To Play a musical instrument with both a tutor and the instrument facing you on-screen.  It also features artist lessons from the likes of Sting, Norah Jones and Patrick Stump.

iLife ‘09 comes free with all Macs. Upgrades are $79, family pack is $99.  Available later this month.

iWork:

Pages:

• Offers a full-screen view in which the page is completely isolated so you can focus solely on what you’re doing.

iWork ‘09 is $49 with a new Mac.  Upgrades are $79, family pack is $99.  Available today.

Pics courtesy of Gizmodo (obviously).

-Devin Chanda

Without the restrictions of a record label, you can get away with saying anything on a mixtape.  You can also get away with putting anything on a cover.  Here’s our look back at those who used that freedom to give us the very best covers of ’08.

8. Mick Boogie and Terry Urban – Viva La Hova

Liberty Leading The People… in their Roc chains.  Subtle but gangster.

7. Charles Hamilton – The L Word

Sonic has great taste in women—and pornstars.

6. Asher Roth – The Greenhouse Effect

If Asher’s website being named “The Daily Kush” wasn’t enough indication that dude is a pothead, well you here you have it.

5. Crooked I – St. Valentine’s Day Bossacre

Not a fan of pointlessly made-up words but chainsaws are easily the greatest invention next to streaming porn Pop Tarts.  Ash would agree.

5. Curren$y – Higher Than 30,000 Feet

The iconic image of cool personified, The Rat Pack… and Curren$y breaking up.

4. Max B – Wavie Crockett

His Waviness rockin’ the coonskin cap = hella wavy.

3. Tony Yayo – Bloody Xmas

Because beefin’ on wax is so 2005.  You get where this is going….

1. G-Unit – Elephant In The Sand

The elephant silhouettes are a nice touch.  So is Joey’s ass crack.

Now for the worst…

8. Von Pea (of Tanya Morgan)- The Further Adventures of Von Pea

Simply because laser cats > laser ducks.

7. Charles Hamilton Discography

We get it, fam—you like Sonic.  Now grow up.

6. D-Block – Jedi Knight School

No Yoda means you’re relegated to the shit list.

5. Skull Gang – Takeover

The new movement to move wit is apparently Juelz’s biker gang.

4. Mick Boogie and DJ Treats Present Leaders of The New Cool

Mama always said don’t judge a book by its cover.  She never said shit about mixtapes.  Judging by that hot orange mess, the tape must be a study in lame.

3. The Game – Black Wall Street Radio Part 5

Obviously Jayceon’s idea.

2. Uncle Murder – Back On My Bullshit

That’s a million-dollar tagline right there.

1. Lil Wayne – The Drought Is Over Part 6

*speechless*

- Devin Chanda

And for more mixtape love, clicke here to check out our Top 8 Mixtapes of ’08 here!

Last year gave us the standard fare of rappers hopping on the hottest beats, but also a bevy of remixes from electronica DJs flipping popular originals in and out. Here were the best on both fronts:

8. N.E.R.D. – “Everybody Nose” Remix, featuring Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, and Pusha T

The least famous rapper of the bunch upstages the CRS dudes (including Lupe and his “high” verse) but whom better to talk about coke than a Thornton brother? Sadly no more party horns, but Pharrell obnoxiously yelling “On Fiyyahh!” will suffice. (Watch here)

7. John Legend- “Green Light” Diplo Dade County 1988 Mix, featuring Andre 3000

Legend’s voice becomes just another instrumental ingredient, taking a backseat to the heavy, late 80s Miami bass employed by Diplo, mixmaster-of-the-moment. (Listen here)

6. Shawty Lo– “Dey Know” Remix, featuring Ludacris, Young Jeezy, Plies, & Lil Wayne

Luda hijacks this joint with his constant jabbing, making you forget it belonged to T.I.’s latest victim Shawty Lo. On the other hand, while completely hilarious, Weezy’s verse serves as a reminder for us all to stay away from the Styrofoam cup. (Listen here)

5. Robin Thicke- “Magic” Mark Ronson Remix, featuring Wale and Mary J. Blige

Ronson swaps the vintage R&B feel for some horn-fueled go-go while Wale lays down two swaggerific verses over his native sound. (Listen here)

4. Lil Wayne- “A Milli” Remix, featuring Cory Gunz

Rumor has it Weezy dropped Gunz’s verse from the OG because the young’n outrapped him. Then again, everyone—even Ne-Yo—outrapped Wayne on this. Cory got his shine, though—his verse was dope enough to land him a magazine cover (XXL). (Listen here)

3. KiD CuDi- “Day N Nite” Crookers Remix

The original sounded like a house track trying to break free, which the Crookers completely liberate when the synth breakdown hits. You just might find yourself reaching for the glow sticks. (Watch here)

2. M.I.A.- “Paper Planes” DFA Remix

By the time every half-decent rapper (and Trey Songz) hopped on this, those gunshots got mighty annoying. Thankfully, electronica label DFA completely rework the track, hinging it on a few groovy little guitar chords. (Listen here)

1. Coldplay- “Lost” Remix, featuring Jay-Z

Hov’s verse on this is about two years old, an excerpt from the “Grammy Family Freestyle” he spit on New York’s Hot 97 prior to the release of Kingdom Come. It remains one of his best post-retirement stanzas—vulnerable, age-appropriate, and clearly relevant to his lofty status in the game—and not simply yet another reminder that the Big Homey was born in BK (see “Brooklyn [Go Hard]“, “Hello Brooklyn 2.0,” etc.). (Watch here)

Four To Forget

Lil Wayne- “Lollipop” Remix, featuring Kanye West
Another verse from Purple Rain Wayne. And Kanye manages to flip the phrase “not your cheese” to “nacho cheese,” proving that him not rapping anymore might not be such a bad thing after all.

DJ Khaled- “Go Hard” Remix, featuring Jay-Z and Kanye West
Jay-Z does in fact “go hard” until he calls Kanye “bab’ bro.” How cute.

Busta Rhymes- “Arab Money” Remix Part 1, featuring Too Many People Completely Oblivious To How Dumb This Song Is
“I’d like to thank Steven Spielberg and George Lucas for directing this movie.” What they fuck are you talking about, Busta? And I’m sure Senegal appreciates the shout out on here, as well, Akon.

Busta Rhymes- “Arab Money” Remix Part 2, featuring Five Struggling Rappers
The only redeeming thing about this damn song is this video (skip to 1:50)

-Devin Chanda

Because we care for more than just the music released by the majors, here are our picks for the best mixtapes of the year.

8. Ludacris – Gangsta Grillz: The Preview

A showcase for the South’s PLK, Luda also utilized the freedom of the medium to give us “Politics As Usual,” where he rapped “McCain don’t belong in any chair unless he’s paralyzed.” Wrong, yet right.

7. Re-Up Gang – We Got It For Cheap Vol. 3

Not quite as good as the first two tapes, but it marked the first time the unheralded Ab-Liva and Sandman consistently held their own with lyrical heavyweights The Clipse.

6. Wale – The Mixtape About Nothing

It would’ve made for a damn good debut album, even with the Seinfeld concept and DC producer Best Kept Secret filling in for Mark Ronson.

5. Curren$y – Super Tecmo Bowl

N.O. native and one-time Young Money rapper Curren$y blessed us with a mixtape every month from March to October, each with its own distinctive flavor. This one was a particularly ‘90s one as Hot Spitta blazed smooth golden-era classics such as “Lookin’ At The Front Door” and “Buck ‘Em Down” and late-decade bangers like “Its Mine.”

4. Fabolous – Gangsta Grillz: There is No Competition

Back on 2003’s “Think Y’all Know,” Fab said of himself, “his moves is Billy Dee, but he Jigga’s the bars…” pretty much summing his career up in a nutshell. For the first muthafuckin’ time, Fab finally gave us more of the latter with his first set of Grillz.

3. Jay-Z – Hip Hop Is Read Presents: Jay-Z Live at Glastonbury

For most of us broke folk who couldn’t charter a jet over to the UK to witness Hov’s headlining set at the June music fest, here it is in its entirety—premium sound quality and all. His “Wonderwall” cover was sweet revenge but the highlight was his slick “American Boy” freestyle.

2. DJ Jaycee – Eargasms 6

More of a mix than a mixtape, but its remixes—especially the soulful rethinking of “Hello Brooklyn 2.0”—defecate on the originals.

1. G-Unit – Return of the Body Snatchers

This shit right heeere will take you back to 2002. A prime example of why Boo Boo and friends were unstoppable in their early days, when they used to carve their own ghettofied hooks from radio staples—like they do here on Ryan Leslie’s “Diamond Girl.”

- Devin Chanda

Teams and individuals are always looking to stay on top by making a big splash, on or off the field. Here’s the 8 moves from the past year that did the most to assert dominance or cement a legacy—by any means.

8. Coach Drops Pants, Wins Job

Down at halftime of an October game against the shitty Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers interim coach Mike Singletary tried to fire up his team… with a deft, downward pull of his pants. “I used my pants to illustrate that we were getting our tails whipped,” he said. It didn’t quite work—they lost 34-13. However, since the incident, the Niners began beating the teams they’re supposed to (i.e. god-awful St. Louis). As a result, Singletary is about to put pen to paper on a permanent deal.

7. Lakers Decide Kobe Can’t Do It Himself

It took the Lakers’ front office a while (three years, give or take) to realize what everyone already knew (Kobe ain’t MJ), but they finally got him some help. On February 1, Kobe received a replacement Shaq—except Spanish and the occasional pansy. Pau Gasol can ball, though, and his chemistry with Kobe is blossoming—to the point where the Lakers look like the favorites to win the title, after beating the Celtics recently.

6. Manchester City Becomes Rich, Bitch

In Manchester, there’s two big soccer teams: Manchester United, and fugly step-child Manchester City, loved only by those with an acquired taste for under-achievement and Oasis fans. With the ex-Man City owner facing jailtime, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE decided to buy the team for about $300 million, instantly making them the richest club in the world. The Sheikh then bought Brazilian striker Robinho from Real Madrid for $50 million, a British record and a sum which doesn’t even include Robinho’s playing salary.

5. Bron-Bron Doing Bron-Bron

Which means being the third dude ever to be on the cover of Vogue (albeit a kinda racist one), having Hov make diss records for you when bum-ass scrubs (DeShawn Stevenson) wanna step to you, throwing powder all over Weezy F. (he’s dirty anyway) in one of his Nike ads, getting Nicole Scherzinger (she’s bad) all wet in another Nike ad, and continuing to be worshipped in Cleveland though he doesn’t care to be there.

4. Nadal Wins Wimbledon…

It marked the first time Roger Federer, arguably the greatest tennis player ever, was beaten in a Wimbledon final, and thus the reason he eventually lost his world No. 1 ranking—which he held for 237 consecutive weeks—to Nadal. It wasn’t easy for Nadal, considering the battle between the Spaniard and the Swiss was the longest final match ever at Wimbledon, clocking in at right under 5 hours.

3. Phelps Touches Down In Beijing

With the exception of the 4x100m freestyle relay where his homeboy had to save his ass and the equally nerve-wracking 100m butterfly, Michael Phelps won just by showing up.

2. Yankees to Red Sox, Rest of League: “Got Ya, Bitch!”

The Yankees weren’t supposed to spend more after spending $240 million on two pitchers and another $30 million on taxes because they spent $240 million. But then they spent another $180 million on the best free agent available. Why? Because they can. Because “you play to win the game.” Because what every other team calls “unfair” or “ridiculous,” the Yankees call “ruthless commitment.” Catch up.

1. Usain Bolt Quits The 400

The Jamaican sprinter was supposedly too lazy for the long distance. So he asked his coach to run the 100. Phelps may have won the most gold medals, but Bolt started celebrating 60m into his race. And he DJ’d the afterparty.

-Devin Chanda

Like regular folk, athletes make mistakes. Unlike regular folk, athletes make egregious mistakes we can all laugh hysterically at.  Here’s a rundown of some of the biggest from the past year.

8. Arena Football Scrub Picks Up Freak, Dumb Injury

Doing his best cheerleader impression without tacking on a skirt and shaking some pom-poms, Orlando Predators d-lineman Elton Patterson decided to amp up the crowd by jumping up and down like an idiot.  The only thing he got out of them was laughter as he proceeded to tear his quadriceps during the warm-up.  Maybe it was just a Bill Gramatica impression.

7. Pacman Jones Does His Best Pacman Jones Impression

His delinquency may have peaked in ’07, reaching legendary heights of stupidity, but ’08 wasn’t a complete washout for him.  On October 7th, the Cowboys cornerback got in an alcohol-fueled scuffle with a team-mandated bodyguard, resulting in a 6-game suspension this season (he was suspended all of last season).  According to NFL commish Roger Goodell, any more indiscretions and he’ll pick up a lifetime achievement award ban from the league.

6. Roger Clemens Gets His Day In Court… and Another

After being implicated in December 2007 of steroid use throughout his playing career, Clemens saw his legacy tarnished forever.  Thus, he decided to take his case to Congress to prove that he was in fact clean.  On February 13, Clemens testified that he never told his BFF Andy Pettite that he took steroids, contrary to Pettite’s own testimony.  Congress realized somebody (and by somebody, I mean Clemens) lied and therefore, asked the Department of Justice to investigate Clemens’ testimony.

5. Didier Drogba Bitchslaps A Dude Named Nemanja

The 2008 Champions League Final—the Super Bowl of European club soccer—between Manchester United and Chelsea was tied at one apiece when frustrated Chelsea striker Didier Drogba slapped Man U defender Nemanja Vidic during the 117th minute.  Drogba was given a red card and thus dismissed.  Chelsea went on to lose the match in penalty kicks when the fifth kick resulted in a horrible miss.  The scheduled kicker?  Didier Drogba.  The actual kicker?  Defender John Terry.  Think Shaq at the free throw line with the game on the line.

4. Daunte Culpepper Unretires

Frustrated that neither the Packers, Steelers, nor Chiefs were willing to give him a decent contract, quarterback Daunte Culpepper decided to retire in September… until the Lions came calling in November.  Mainly remembered for being Randy Moss’ shaky supply line in Minnesota, his legacy has taken on a new chapter:  Lions starter for a couple games, benched for the next few, and proud member of the first team to go winless during an entire NFL season.

3. Josh Howard Gives Bad Name To Potheads Everywhere

At an Allen Iverson charity football event in July, Dallas Mavericks forward and All-Star and self-confessed pothead Josh Howard (note: the NBA has drug testing) decided to offer up a soundbyte as the national anthem was being sung in the background: “‘The Star-Spangled Banner” is going on. I don’t celebrate this shit. I’m black.”  He then goes on to give a glowing recommendation for Obama.  Obviously, it was Howard who swung the election in Barack’s favor.

2. Sean Avery Grabs a Headline for Hockey

Dallas Stars’ left wing Sean Avery has dated the likes of Elisha Cuthbert and Rachel Hunter and so prior to a December game against the Calgary Flames, Avery decided to approach the waiting media types.  Directing his comments at Flames’ defenseman Dion Phaneuf, current boyfriend of Cuthbert, Avery said, “I am going to say one thing. I am really happy to be back in Calgary. I love Canada. I just want to comment on how it has become a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I do not know what that is about, but enjoy the game.”  Avery thought he was just building hype for a hockey game no one gave a damn about.  The NHL thought he was just being a dick—and suspended him.  And then the Dallas Stars decided to get rid of him permanently.

1.  Plaxico Burress

Because he a) shot himself b) lost his job and c) may lose $27 million and go to jail.

-Devin Chanda

“Only in the mind of Jim Jones,” said the Diplomat of his star turn on the stage. With the Dame Dash-produced Hip-Hop Monologues, Off-Broadway officially hit Capo status—complete with Playabills.

In promotion of his upcoming album, Pray IV Reign, Jim ditched the standard listening party-fare in favor of a theatrical production set to his music. Certainly ambitious, it followed Jimmy on a harrowing journey from the corner to the classroom (as part of court-mandated community service). Of course, Jimmy had to drop by the club on a couple of occasions—props for a small tribute to Harlem Renaissance-era jazz spots—before the climax in the courtroom.

The play had its moments, both comical and heart-wrenching (kinda). In particular, the scene of a lil’ Jimmy pumpin’ on the block usurped the overall lightheartedness of the play to deliver some real drama. “It shows why Jimmy is the way he is,” said writer-director J Kyle Manzay of the scene, adding, “too many times people don’t really understand why rappers behave a certain way.”

Performance aside, Jones managed to generate a buzz for an album that may have fallen off the radar in the midst of a loaded 4^th quarter. The packed house at the 37 Arts Theater—Harlem’s resident el Chupacabra, Cam’ron, was of course MIA—will now hotly anticipate the release, with the surefire #1 single “Where My Bitches” looming. Well, maybe. But in Jimmy’s world, most definitely.

-Devin Chanda

My loyalties have been homeless for some time—last seen ditching my dignity as I jumped off the Knicks’ Conestoga.  Tonight, though, I begin my season-long allegiance to the Detroit Pistons.  With Allen Iverson debuting in Detroit’s starting backcourt, power in the NBA may have just shifted to Motown.

A.I. has easily been the league’s most inspirational talent since Jordan dipped out of the spotlight in ‘98.  Standing less than 6 feet, the little guy has been battered and bruised over his career.  Yet, he has still managed to collect an MVP award, a Finals cameo, and multiple scoring titles despite playing against relative giants.  The only obstacle too tall to conquer was Shaq in ‘01, but Iverson may have another go at a title this year after hooking up with the 2004 champions.

Last year’s finals featured the Celtics and Lakers, a matchup that seemingly went down every year of the ‘80s.  The other big rival for the chip during that decade?  The Pistons.

This season’s three-horse race may have another entry, though.  By the end of the ‘80s, a precocious Jordan had begun threatening the triumvirate.  This time, the young gun joining the race could very well be a member of Team Jordan.  Don’t be surprised if Chris Paul is the one orchestrating a title run if neither A.I., the boys from Beantown, nor Kobe can quite pull the right strings.

- Devin Chanda

Supergroups are a novel idea, just not a very realistic one.  If Nelly has his way though, an ‘09 Bell Biv Devoe will come to fruition, boasting membership from the rapper and hit-making amigos Akon, T-Pain, and Pharrell.  Success is definitely a toss-up, though.  The quartet could very well pump out a fair share of club bangers, but too many hooks (and a vocoder) could spoil the synthy broth.  Here are some dream lineups, though, whose chemistry would be undeniable:

Jay-Z x Kanye West x Scarface x Beanie Sigel

Kanye can just stay behind the boards for this one, flipping rare but timeless samples while the trio of emcees provide the same lyrical acrobatics that gave us classics such as “Guess Who’s Back” and “This Can’t Be Life.”

Diddy x DJ Khaled x Lil’ Jon

Seriously—an ad-lib match made in heaven.

“Take that.” “WE THE BEST!!!” “YEAH!!!” “Who?!? WE!!!!” “OK!!!”

Lil Wayne x Max B

The Martian meets Wavie Crockett.  Weezy’s stream-of-unconscience nonsense will flow smoothly with Max’s tidal wave of hooks (the man can harmonize anything).

Lupe Fiasco x Mickey Factz

If you can tell difference between them, then you need to stop using your Food & Liquor case as an ashtray… if you bought it, that is.

The Clipse x The Neptunes

We just need another album.  Speaking of which… !

-Devin Chanda

50’s movie career was left in ruins after Righteous Kill.  Or so we thought.  Mr. Jackson has nabbed a role in the upcoming film 13, a remake of the French film 13 Tzameti.

The rapper should be thanking his lucky stars after the failure of Kill. Boasting a one-two punch for the ages with DeNiro and Pacino sharing substantial screen time together, the film was 50’s chance to ride the coattails of a great cast, if need be.  But then people saw it and bore witness to the critics’ claims of the cast mailing in their parts.

It seemed that 50 would have to settle for the upcoming Before I Self Destruct film to be his Spartacus, but 13 has relieved him of such impending misfortune (even if he only has a supporting role).  The original won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance in ’06 and its writer/director is on tap for the remake.  The plot follows a young man who stumbles upon instructions that could land him a fortune but instead lead him to unfortunate situations such as the absolutely sick one below:

-Devin Chanda

CMJ ’08 kicks off today in NYC and S.O.B.’s—the pantheon of hip-hop spots in the city—got it locked for the evening.  Onstage tonight will be the roster of Allido Records, the label of Grammy-winning producer Mark Ronson.  The Englishman brought along a couple compatriots for the show, including R&B singer Daniel Merriweather and jazzy rock band The Rumblestrips (British for “speedbumps”).

Undoubtedly, though, most in attendance will be at Varick St. to see DC go-hopper Wale.  Working on his debut album alongside folks like Kanye and Pharrell, Wale might not be playing his trademark singles like “W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E.” at such intimate venues for long.  Chi-town representa’ Rhymefest, is also certain to preview some cuts from El Che, his politically charged upcoming sophomore set.

With Wale and ‘Fest on the mic (possibly together trading verses for the banger “Ain’t Heard It From Me”) and Ronson also spinning, all tastes—hipster, purist, and club—are sure to be satiated.

-Devin Chanda

The “Hamiltonization Process” is now 50% complete.  No, this isn’t a status report on another last-ditch plan by Congress to fix Wall Street. The “Process” is the mixtape marketing plan of Harlem emcee Charles Hamilton. By its end, the Interscope signee will have dropped 8 mixtapes—one every two weeks, each on a different blog—since September 2.

Last week’s release was It’s Charles Hamilton. As you can see, the kid loves Sonic (a bit too much but it’s a dope cover nonetheless). As for the tape, it’s Charles and dude can ramble-rap—and make sense—like few others. There’s even a love song to pornstar Lacey Duvalle (Ballhoneys anyone?).

If you’re unfamiliar with Hamilton, peep this freestyle from DJ Green Lantern’s Sirius broadcast a few moons ago. Download the latest mix here, folks (link courtesy of 2dopeboyz.com).

The process paces towards completion with next week’s installment, releasing on xclusiveszone.blogspot.com

-Devin Chanda

If Barack loses—which he won’t—he could easily move on to a career as a label head. After all, with all the musical artists holding him down, why not give it a try? He could probably singlehandedly save the music biz (a far easier task than saving America).

Today, Yes We Can: The Mixtape entered the blogosphere. An album of the same name dropped a while back in order to raise money for Barack’s campaign. At $20 a pop, though, it’s a bit pricey, especially since the music lacked Chuck D-fervor to get us marching or even Obama’s brush-your-shoulders-off swag to keep us feeling right. Since he’s running away with the election, don’t feel guilty passing up on the album.

Download the free mixtape, bestowed upon us by Uncle Russell (too much Run’s House, sorry). It’s a shame, though, that Russ didn’t call on Barack O’Drama (DJ Drama’s alias) to help put the tape together. There are still plenty of Simmons’ friends to keep us entertained and Green Lantern is mos def a good second choice to host it. You can’t question Green’s political credentials: he produced Immortal Technique’s last album and wrapped up Nas’ The Jones Experience tour last month.

So, before you get set for something ridiculous to happen during tonight’s debate—I got money on McCain calling out Tina Fey again—check out the tape to get your political pulse going. Brooklyn rapper Joell Ortiz’s “Letter To Obama” is definitely a choice cut. Sorry, no Luda on this one.

Download and tracklisting available over at Nahright.

-Devin Chanda