I want to make some all encompassing statement that sums up my feelings on the fact that I know very well what goes into the standardized radioized hip-hop songs these days and my beliefs that although there are in fact some very talented rappers in the world, the majority of things we hear can literally be created by 12 year- olds with Reason and Auto-Tune. I’ll keep such outlooks to myself (well, next time I’ll keep them to myself), but I would like to pose a question brought up with checking out this video below of John Mayer basically patronizing anyone that considers the term hip-hop artist not to be an oxymoron: if the roles were switched, could Kanye throw down the came caliber blues solos that Mayer does? Just asking…

You wouldn’t be reading this if it weren’t true. Whitney Houston’s crack addiction which was reported by the credible National Enquirer in 2006 is certainly old news. This was when Whitney’s sister lovingly sent in photographs of a crack-cocaine and paraphernalia litted bathroom.

Sorry to mislead you, this post isn’t about her in the slightest. So Whitney, call off your lawyer and put down the pipe. This post is inspired by a super-honky who goes by Tracky Birthday, a mostly unknown hobby-rapper whom I came across accidentally in a drug induced rage.

His creations are full of satire, catchy beats, smooth lyrics and a killer Mr T impersonation (because he doesn’t afraid of anything). Sure, he can get a bit annoying after a while, but for 20 minutes or so you may feel like you have been touched by Jesus himself. Check out Tracky’s homepage for more satirical non-sense and confirmation of his awesomeness.

We’ve considered locking up the cameras at night so stupid shit doesn’t end up getting filmed when we’re out, but then again we wouldn’t have the great fortune to stumble upon Video Matt’s first attempt at being the next Vanilla Ice.

The 2008 lineup is FRESH! KRS-One, 88-Keys, Buckshot, Blu & Exile, Fresh Daily, Mickey Factz, J. Period, Zaki Ibrahim and DJ Premier. The Brooklyn Hip-Hop main performance day is July 12th. Check the calendar on the Web site for the rest of the festival days programs & performers. If yer going, I’m super jealous - take me with you! I can fit in small spaces!

And just like that, the Shaquille O’Neal era of Maricopa County law enforcement has ended.

After O’Neal lambasted Kobe Bryant in a “freestyle” rap, in which the word “nigga” was used, Maricopa County sheriff Joe Arpaio stripped O’Neal of his ceremonial honors.

The whole situation is ridiculous. Shaq was about as much of a cop as I am a seven-foot NBA center.

At least nowhere near as well as Video Matt can. But hey at least he tried. Plus I think he can probably sing a little better than Matt. You can see for yourself, as The Hush Sound is currently making the rounds, first as part of the Honda Civic Tour, and then as part of the “Dance Across The Country” tour Check out the dates below: (more…)