NOTES FROM THE "HARTBEAT"...

Hey! This Aint Half Bad…

MissAvon — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:20:21 +0000

Ever decide to listen to something that you normally wouldn’t fool around with and when you did, it turned out to be surprisingly good? This has happened to me on many occasions and as a result, has introduced me to several artists that I probably would have never discovered, had I not tried something new. My experience hearing Outkast is one such example.

Buoyed by a desire to purchase The Love Movement album by A Tribe Called Quest, I decided to go to the downtown Philadelphia, Virgin Record Store one day. I had heard this was Tribe’s final record, so I made the trek from Drexel down to South Street, on one of my class breaks, to buy it.After browsing for a few minutes, I saw the CD and picked it up, but another album near to it, with some very interesting cover artwork, also caught my eye. It was Outkast’s Aquemini album. I picked it up too and eyed it curiously. A few minutes later, one of the salespeople in that section walked over to me and casually said, “Don’t get the Tribe. Get the Outkast. The music is better”. I looked at him skeptically but he insisted. And even though I knew very little about Outkast, I put the Tribe CD down, and bought the Aquemini. And I have never regretted it. I was thrilled after my first listen. I heard an eclectic, very unique, thought-provoking album with incredible music and socially-conscious lyrics. That album became the soundtrack for the two years I spent at college in Philadelphia. The group was Atlanta-based and virtually unknown in Northeast, but news of how good this particular album was started spreading like wildfire at my school. Everyone was listening to it – black and white students alike. I remember some friends who had borrowed my copy being very upset when I went back to reclaim it. The standout songs were “The Art of Storytelling”, “SpottieOttieDopaliscious” and “Liberation”. These songs were unlike anything I’d ever heard before. “The Art of Storytelling” had a smooth, hypnotic beat and catchy lyrics about a girl whose life was cut short prematurely. And “SpottieOttieDopaliscious” was lush and descriptive with a distinct southern feel and intricate lyrics that painted a vivid story. But “Liberation” was the real triumph on this album. It was hauntingly serious with an arresting beat and a solid message about freeing one’s self of insecurity and negative people. It was the song that resonated with me and many of my friends the most. Aquemini quickly became one of my favorite albums, and I’ll be forever grateful to that sales associate in the Virgin megastore on South Street for advising me to buy it. I love A Tribe Called Quest, but my choice to try something new turned out to be an extremely good one. I later found out that The Love Movement wasn’t as good an album as Aquemini. Had I purchased it, I don’t know when I would have been introduced to Outkast. My leap of faith made me a music trailblazer at school since I was one of the first to buy and champion the album.

Blazing Arrow by Blackalicious was my next “out of the ordinary” music purchase. I’m not exactly sure what made me buy this album. I know that I must have bought it at a record store, but I can’t remember the synopsis. I had probably felt like expanding my listening horizons again.

After my first listen, I was pleasantly surprised. It was substantially different than the music I usually listened to, but I liked it. It was pleasant to listen to, and because it was unfamiliar, I found it creative, daring and fun! I was a fashion student at F.I.T. when I first heard it. I remember I was in a very artsy frame of mind and always searching for new things to inspire me. Despite the album’s “left field” nature, it really grew on me! All throughout the album were short unifying interludes with a blazing arrow theme which made it feel very cohesive and complete. The album artwork was also spectacular. It was creative and had a very modern, luxurious feel.

The most effective track on the album was “First in Flight” featuring Gil Scott-Heron. Along with his booming, authoritative voice, there was a very positive message. The more I listened, the more the words resonated and took on real meaning to me. The rest of the album featured other diverse tracks with thought-provoking, interesting lyrics and smooth beats that had a soulful seventies funk vibe. “Chemical calisthenics” quickly became my favorite track, followed by “Feel that Way”. “Feel that Way” had a very relaxed, feel-good vibe. It made me instantly think about lounging on a blanket in a park on a beautiful summer day. By contrast, “Chemical Calisthenics” embodied what I would describe as nerd rap. Somehow, Gift of Gab managed to make an ultra boring subject like the periodic table of elements, sound like one of the most interesting things in the world. The unexpected subject matter and rhyming style, coupled with a groovy beat that kept flipping, made this song really stand out. It was definitely a rapping style I had never heard before but I really enjoyed it. Because of how fresh and interesting this album turned out to be, I made a vow to be more open-minded and buy more music from rap artists I wasn’t really familiar with.

One of the other impulse buys that I made was All of Me , a compilation album of some of Billie Holiday’s best love songs. I was still a student at FIT when I decided to get it from the closeout discount store on 27^th that sold overstocked CDs, DVDs and other items. This store had been on 27th street, just a short walk from school, for the longest time, but I’d never gone in. One day as I was passing by, I noticed a sign announcing it was going out of business. I went in and began to peruse the endless stacks of CDs. I think they were about 2 or 3 bucks each, so I decided I was going to buy about five or six. After browsing for a few minutes, I came across a whole rack of Billie Holiday CDs. I didn’t know very much about jazz at the time, but I knew who Billie Holiday was. I scooped up five different CDs, paid for them, and went back to class. When I got home, I decided to listen to All of Me first. I had no idea what to expect, but as soon as I heard her sing the first note, I was hooked. All of Me is a near perfect collection of gorgeous love songs; some happy and lively, and others angst-ridden and melancholy. Billie Holiday effusively sang over rich and beautiful jazz instrumentation with gusto and emotion. It took me a long time to listen to the other albums I had bought because I liked All of Me so much. I was glad that I decided to give Billie’s music a try. It was definitely new for me because jazz was very foreign to me. After hearing her sing, I later went on to seek out music from some of the other great jazz vocalists like Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and Carmen McRae. This was the start of my infatuation with jazz vocalists.

And lastly, I came across K-Os’, Joyful Rebellion album a few years ago when a guy I was seeing slipped it in with some other albums he had burned for me. I probably wouldn’t have discovered it on my own, so he is another one I’ll always be grateful to for the introduction.I remember staring at the CD skeptically before putting it into my CD player. It turned out to be one of the coolest, hybrid albums I had ever heard. K-Os somehow effortlessly blended R&B, pop, rock, reggae and rap to create a unique, highly addictive, cohesive album. Almost every track on the album was superior and completely different from the next and amazingly, it worked. I listened to it for weeks and I still do. It sounds fresh every time I hear it.So, there you have it; proof that taking a chance can yield lots of unexpected happiness. I am very glad that I decided to step outside of my little box and expose myself to some new music. Now, I think nothing of wandering into an unfamiliar section in the music store or purchasing a virtually unknown new artist. And I always urge other music lovers to do the same because you never know; you might find something that could not only enhance your music collection, but really change your life.

Reviewing Ghostface Killah’s discography

enchantress81 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:45:18 +0000

Ghostface Killah is my favorite artist of all time, and in the wake of attending my seventh GFK concert, I decided to take a trip down memory lane by perusing his extensive discography.

First up is:

Ironman (1996)

I was about 15 and not fully into rap when Ironman was released. I knew who Ghostface was because I remember ripping a colorful wallaby filled Ironman cover ad, out of Vibe magazine and taping it to the front of my Chemistry notebook in high school. “Cream” had been my first real introduction to the WuTang Clan in 1994, one year after I’d moved to this country from Jamaica. At the time, I was still heavily into R&B. A couple years later when my appetite for Hip Hop and Rap was sufficiently whetted, I begged my neighbor ‘B’ to borrow his Ironman CD. I’d heard the song “Camay” and fallen in love with it. To make a long story short, he never lent me the CD and for a few years Ghostface fell off my radar…but not forever. I officially purchased the album last fall (2008) and it blew me away. His rhyming style was unlike anything I’d ever heard. Each track was hella exciting, well produced, and not to mention, razor sharp! The album was also very coherent with a strong unifying theme (I love that!) and it featured clever movie lines and entertaining skits. There were no other albums like it when it was released. No other artists, except those in his own crew, were doing the same thing Ghostface was doing. This album blazed a new trail and is definitely one of my favorites today.

Supreme Clientele (2000)

Supreme Clientele was the next album released. I wrote about my initital reaction to it in this post. It was like this album hit me over the head. Once I heard it, I was knocked out….completely! I couldn’t stop listening to it. This is probably my favorite Ghostface album ever. I can listen to it from beginning to end, without skipping one song. The theme is ingenious and I love how all the tracks come together to paint a vivid picture. The production, is impeccable and Ghostface’s lyrics are amazingly flavorful and almost unearthly. It doesn’t even matter that you can’t understand what he’s saying. All that matters is how fantastic the tracks sound. They are so addictive that you can’t help but find yourself thinking about them when you’re not listening to them and you smile to yourself when you think of the hilarious “Woodro the Basehead” skit. There are so many amazing moments on this album. Supreme Clientele is a triumph; a rare jewel, that should be regarded by all as one of the best rap albums of this decade.

Bullet Proof Wallets (2001)

Bullet Proof Wallets was the follow up to Supreme Clientele. This album came out while I was a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. This was an exciting time in my life. I was so thrilled to hear this album that I remember walking up to the enormous HMV at 32nd and Broadway between classes to purchase a copy. I had a portable CD player then and I remember peeling the wrapping off the CD excitedly. I had high expectations for this album and I wasn’t disappointed at all. From the first track to the last track it was a strong album. “Maxine” and “The Forest” both tickled my fancy and I really connected with “Walking Through the Darkness”. Other standouts were “Strawberry”, which was undoubtedly the sexiest Ghostface song every written and “The Hilton” featuring Ghost’s right hand man Raekwon. This album also had a lot of radio friendly tracks on it like “Never be the same again” featuring Carl Thomas and “Love Session” featuring Ruff Endz. I’m shocked it didn’t do better than it did and that to this day, it has not been certified Gold. I mean, by golly, this was a decent album.

The Pretty Toney Album (2004)

For this album, Ghostface switched record labels. This was his first baby at his new home, Def Jam. The Pretty Toney Album deemed by many as more of a tragedy than a triumph, had both its good and bad moments. One of the lowest, worst, most horrible moments, was the Missy assisted “Tush”. I can’t begin to go into how awful this song was. Okay, I am over-exaggerating but I really think it slightly ruined the album. “Save me dear” is one of my favorites. It’s so bouncy and catchy you can’t help but sing along. But it is track 12 entitled, “Holla” that is the true gem of this album. Ghostface pours out everything he’s got on this 3 minute and 19 second opus. The skits on this album are markedly better too, namely “Kunta Fly Shit”. You almost wish they were songs instead of just short skits. The Pretty Toney Album gets a solid 7.5 out of a 10 from me.

718 (2004)

Sadly, I don’t own this album. It’s probably not bad and I should probably give it a listen one day. I can’t call myself a true Ghostface fan if I don’t. It’s just that I’m not a big fan of the Theodore Unit….at all.

Put it on the Line (2005)

I don’t have this one either. I’m sure it’s a decent album but I just haven’t gotten around to listening to it. Again, I was probably turned off by the Theodore Unit. Why couldn’t Ghostface align himself with a better crew?

Fishscale (2006)

Fishscale is the Ghostface album that I enjoy listening to the most. I really connected with it very strongly. Unfortunately Ghostface doesn’t perform many songs from it during his live shows. I have no idea why because I think it is AMAZING. From “Shakey Dog” to “the Champ” to “RAGU” to “Big Girl”, all of the songs on this album awaken an emotion. I love the use of the Dell’s “I can sing a rainbow” on “Shakey Dog”. I also am enamored with the enchanting beat on “RAGU” and the amusing tale Ghost spins on that track. The J Dilla produced ‘Whip me with a strap” and “Beauty Jackson” add dimension to an already impressive album. I really think Ghost should be proudest of this album because it achieves the same thing Supreme Clientele did. It ushers in a new trend-setting animated sound while managing to stay coherent. It also went Platinum, so kudos to Ghostface for that. This is the Ghostface that I love the most; a seamless melding of grimy and gangster with introspectiveness and spontaneity.

More Fish (2006)

Ghostface should have probably stopped the “Fish” theme right after Fishscale but he felt he had more jewels to share. Unfortunately not too many of them appear on More Fish. This album suffered from a lack of cohesiveness and too much Theodore Unit. Bogged down with horrible skits and too many throw away songs you almost wish Ghost hadn’t released it. Don’t get me wrong though. It wasn’t all bad. There are a few good songs like “Street Opera “featuring his son, Sun God, “Josephine”, “You know I’m no good” and “Alex (Stolen Script)”.

The Big Doe Rehab (2007)

This album heralded in a new Ghostface. The callous, hardcore, gun toting Ghostface that we only caught brief glimpses of on other albums was fully present on this go around. I was shocked when I heard “Walk Around”, an impressive little ditty about Ghostface shooting a man in the head point blank. The story telling in that track is amazing as well as Ghost’s dialogue with himself. Also notable were “Yolanda’s house”. “Killa Lipstick” “Rec Room Therapy” and “Shakey Dog featuring Lolita.”I hadn’t expected this type of album from Ghostface. This was his darker alter ego and I loved it. Ghostface is always evolving as an artist, which keeps the music fresh.

Ghostdini: The wizard of poetry in Emerald City (2009)

Honestly, I didn’t like this album when I heard it the first time. I thought it was much too soft. I wasn’t feeling it at all because I thought it was too geared towards females. I still can’t fully say that I love it 100%, but I do like it a lot. I’m a big fan of the way the tension builds in “Guesthouse” (featuring Fabolous), and I’m always touched when I hear “Lonely”. It’s a strong album all in all and the only skippable song is the cringe worthy “Stapleton Sex”, because who wants to hear a song where Ghost raps about sex in overly graphic detail? There were some funny moments in that song..like at the end where he says he needs to smoke a cigarette, and his lover says, “you don’t smoke nigga”. Ghost nonchalantly answers, “Oh yeah, I forgot”.( LOL) “Do Over” is another treat as well as the radio single “Baby” and the rousing, “Stay”. “Forever” is my favorite track on the album. The beat is great and so is the message.

So there you have it. My thoughts on the works of someone I deem to be one of the greatest. Let me know what you think, or leave a comment with your your first impressions of these albums. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

WANTED: The Perfect Leather Motocross jacket

enchantress81 — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:55:42 +0000

I love leather jackets, but sadly I recently ripped a huge hole in my INC leather jacket that I’ve had for years. I was heartbroken when it happened, but now I get to find a replacement. Here are a couple I wouldn’t mind snagging.

This one is called “Carrera” by S.W.O.R.D and is on sale for $595 at Blaec!

This one is $190: Valor/style “304″ from Valor

This one is lovely, but it’s a little out of my price range. Costume National for $1060 from Zappos!

One can dream! Just Cavalli for $1709 also from Zappos!

Now this is more like it. Hurley YC leather jacket for $202 here!

I always liked the simple styling of the Michael Kors jacket. $281 right here

I also like the styling and color on this Diesel Limik jacket. $760 right here

And lastly…a nifty little number in white. I love white leather. There is something so mod and chic about them. This one is Rock and Republic for *gasp* $666… here

Which one should I pick?

Ghostface Killah at BB Kings, 11/11/09

enchantress81 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:08:49 +0000

More pics after the jump…

Skyzoo

Torae

Skyzoo

Sosh B

Show review on the way!

GHOST DEINI TONIGHT!!!!!

enchantress81 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:01:01 +0000

Pics to follow soon..

-Miss Avon

25 Most Played songs

enchantress81 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:32:48 +0000

So, Apple has this technology that keeps track of the songs you play the most on your iPod. I recently checked what my 25 most played songs on my iPod Touch were. The results weren’t very surprising. Here’s the list:

1) Mozart: Divertimento in D, K 136…Fracesco Macci

The Best of Mozart

I like playing this song because it really soothes me. I play it before taking tests and it calms me down.

2) Lord your Grace

Free to worship – Fred Hammond

A lively gospel song by one of the best Gospel Artists around: Fred Hammond.

3) No Greater Love

Free to Worship – Fred Hammond

Another touching heartfelt song by Fred Hammond. Can you tell I’m a huge Fred Hammond fan?

4) Mastermind

God’s Son – NaS

My favorite song from God’s Son. I play it to death. Don’t have much to say about it. I just love it!

5) You’re da Man

Stillmatic – NaS

Favorite NaS song EVER! The music does something to me. Brings me back to a special place in my life.

6) Beauty Jackson

Fishscale – Ghostface Killah

I wish this song was longer. It clocks in at only 1:32. I love everything about it. The sensuality of the woman’s voice, Ghost’s smooth rhymes and the imagery depicted. This is a top notch song, over a J Dilla beat of course.

7) And We Worship You

Free to Worship – Fred Hammond

A beautiful worship song from the master of Gospel, Fred Hammond. I need to listen to these songs to start my day off right.

8.) RAGU

Fishscale – Ghostface Killah

One of my favorite tracks from Fishscale. The story Ghost tells is hilarious and the beat is sicker than sick!

9) Since I Seen’t You

Comin’ From Where I’m From – Anthony Hamilton

This beat is hypnotic which is why so many other artists (G Unit, Joe Budden) have sampled it. Anthony’s lush, velvety voice rides the beat just right..

10) The Future (Produced by Dub B)

Mood Muzik 2 – Joe Budden

Another completely addictive beat. The music just takes you away when you listen to it. Joe’s rhymes are on point too.

11) Mighty Healthy

Supreme Clientele – Ghostface Killah

One of the most rousing, hard body, tracks on Supreme Clientele…

12) Reminisce

1st Born Second – Bilal

This song puts me in a good mood every time I hear it. Mos guest stars along with Common and they all have a wonderful time! J Dilla on the beat as well.

13) All Things are Working

Pages of Life Chapter 1 – Fred Hammond & RFC

Whenever I’m feeling down and uncertain about my future, I listen to this song as a pick-me-upper.

14) I will Bless his Holy Name

Pages of Life Chapter 1 – Fred hammond & RFC

I listen to this one when it’s time for me to get my praise on at work.

15) Shakey Dog

Fishscale – Ghostface Killah

This track commands your attention as soon as it starts. It’s chock full of Ghostface’s razor sharp trademark rhymes and an awesome sample from The Dells.

16) Regrets

Reasonable Doubt – Jay Z

A near perfect Jay-Z song with a laid back beat, laid back lyrics and a laid back hook.

17) Dear Diary

Mood Muzik 3 – Joe Budden

More introspective rhymes from the Jersey MC.

18) You are my Song

Pages of Life Chapter 1 – Fred hammond & RFC

Fred Hammond outdoes himself here. This one is a love song to the big guy upstairs.

19) Child’s Play

Supreme Clientele – Ghostface Killah

Currently in 1st place as my favorite Ghostface song. A triumph in rap.

20) The Lady in my Life

Thriller – Michael Jackson

My favorite Michael Jackson song. The beat gets me every time.

21) What are you Doin’ the rest of your life

Black on Both Sides: The Samples – Milt Jackson

The romantic jazz song. I always think grown and sexy thoughts when this song is playing.

22) Blue in Green

Kind of Blue – Miles Davis

Friggin’ awesome jazz song from the Master of Melancholy, Miles Davis.

23) Guess I’ll hang my Tears out to dry

Ballads – Sarah Vaughan

My “post breakup” song. I play this when I’m feeling sorry for myself after a touch breakup.

24) Detour Ahead

Ultimate Sarah Vaughan – Sarah Vaughan

An amazing song from a jazz vocalist with the most beautiful voice I have ever heard. I’m not exaggerating!

25) One

Supreme Clientele – Ghostface Killah

This song knocks!! The beat is tight and the lyrics though indecipherable are out of this world! All hail Ghostface!

Who’s the best STORY TELLER: Biggie, Jay-Z or NaS?

MissAvon — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:08:03 +0000

Recently, I asked the question, “Who is a better storyteller: Biggie, Jay-Z or NaS?” as my facebook status message, and the answers I received were quite interesting. I wasn’t asking who was the best MC of the three, but instead who was more adept at crafting the best story. One of my friends demanded I include Ghostface in the discussion. Yes Ghostface does belong, but we’re leaving him out of this discussion because my response would be too biased if he was included. After all… he is my favorite rapper.

So I decided to compare three samples of excellent story-telling from the three emcee titans.

Each excerpt was graded from 1 to 10 on the following criteria:

Imagery used – personification and metaphors, sensory detail present
Does the excerpt transport you to the scene described? Can you visualize it clearly?
Does it “tug at your heart strings”, evoke emotion: joy, happiness, sympathy?

Sample 1:

NaS: From “I gave you power”

”Yo, weeks went by and I’m surprised
Still stuck in the shelf with all the things that an outlaw hides
Besides me it’s bullets, two vests and then a nine
There’s a grenade in a box, and that tech that kept cryin
Cause he ain’t been cleaned in a year, he’s rusty as clear
He’s bout to fall to pieces, cause of his murder career
Yo, I can hear somebody comin in, open the shelf
His eyes bubblin, he said, “It was on”
I felt his palm troubled he’s shakin
Somebody stomped him out, his dome was achin’
He placed me on his waist, the moment I’ve been waitin’
My creation was for blacks to kill blacks
It’s gats like me that accidentally, go off, makin niggaz memories
But this time, it’s done intentionally
He walked me outside, saw this cat
Cocked me back, said, “Remember me?”
He pulled the trigger but I held on, it felt wrong
Knowing niggaz is waiting in hell for ‘im
He squeezed harder, I didn’t budge, sick of the blood
Sick of the thugs, sick of wrath of the next man’s grudge
What the other kid did was pull out, no doubt
A newer me in better shape, before he lit out, he lead the chase
My owner fell to the floor, his wig split so fast
I didn’t know he was hit, it’s over with
Heard mad niggaz screamin, niggaz runnin, cops is comin
Now I’m happy, until I felt somebody else grab me
Damn!”

MissAvon’s score : Imagery: 10 Transports Listener: 10 Evokes Emotion: 9

Other examples of NaS’ storytelling : “NY State of Mind Pt 2″, “Mastermind”, “Shootouts”

Sample 2:

Jay-Z : From “You must love me”

Also watch video here

We used to fight every night
but I never would suffer
just smile my big brother’s
tryna make me tougher
As we grew fussing and fighting continued
as I plundered through ya stuff
and snuck ya clothes to school
Got intense real intense
as we got older
Never believed it would lead
To me poppin one in ya shoulda
With my rings knew you had it
’cause you took too long
as Mickey, Andy, and the girl that bought it looked on
Huffin’ and puffin’ gun in my hand
told you step outside
Hoping you said no but you hurt my pride
made our way down the steps
maybe you thought it was just a threat
or maybe ya life was just that crazy
and you was beggin’ for death
try to justify this in my young mind
but the adrenaline
and my ego hurt combined
drove me berzerk
Saw the devil in your eyes
high off more than weed
confused I just closed
my young eyes and squeezed
What a sound
opened my eyes just in time
to see ya stumbling to the ground
Damn what the fuck I done now

runnin’ around in a circle
thinking I’m assed out
hot gun burnin’ my waist
ran straight to Jazz’ house
Like a stranger damn I just shot my nigga
and ran off into the night as if it was not my nigga
Left the scene how could I go out that way
Still you asked to see me in the hospital the next day
You must love me.

MissAvon’s score: Imagery: 8 Transports Listener: 10 Evokes Emotion: 9

Other examples of Jay-Z’s story telling – “Regrets”, “Allure”, “Do you wanna Ride”

Sample 3:

Biggie: From: ”Niggas Bleed”

We agreed to go ['in'] shootin is silly
Because niggaz could be hidin in showers with Mac [milli's]
So I freaked em, the telly manager was Puerto Rican
Gloria, from Astoria, I went to war with her
peeps in ninety-one, stole a gun from my workers
And they took drugs, they tried to jerk us
We blaze they place, long story, Glo seen my face
Got shook, thought a nigga was comin for the safe
Now she breakin, shut up, 112, what’s shakin
A Jamaican, some bitches I swear, they look gay
In a black Range Rover, been outside all day
If it’s trouble let me know, I’ll be on my way
Please, I got kids to feed, I done seen you make niggaz bleed
Nightmares this bitch don’t need
Ron, get the gasoline, this spot, we bout to blow this
get the cash before the cops and Range Rover cats notice
Room 112, right by the staircase, perfect place
When they evacuate, they meet they fate
Ron pass the gasoline, the nigga passed me kerosene
Fuck it, its flame-able, my hunger is unexplainable
Strike the match, just what I expected
The dread kid ejected in seconds
And here come two, opposite sexes, one black, one Malaysian
We in the hallway waitin patient
As soon as she hit the door we start blastin
I saw her brains hit the floor, Ron laughin, I swear to God
I hit Maxi Priest at least twelve times in the chest
Spin-t around, shot the chink in the breast
She cryin, headshots put her to rest
Pop open the briefcases, nothin but Franklin faces
The spot’s hot, sprinklers, alarm systems
Thats when other guests start to slip in
It’s time for us to get to dippin
I know them niggaz in the Range is on they way up
Flippin, pistol grippin, I load the clip in
The hallway, got real loud and crowded
They walked right past us, I don’t know how they allowed it
The funny thing about it, through all the excitement
They Range got towed, they double parked by a hydrant
Stupid motherfuckers

MissAvon’s score: Imagery: 9 Transports Listener: 10 Evoke Emotion: 8

More examples of Biggie’s story telling – “Juicy”, “I got a Story to tell”, “Notorious Thugs”

So based on my grading of the above excerpts, NaS has emerged as the winner. His verse is superior to the other two samples chosen and no, this wasn’t rigged. I truly believe his verse was the strongest. I could picture everything clearly when listening to the song. He used personification, effective imagery and sensory detail and his descriptive words transported me right to the scene. It felt as though I was right there witnessing the whole thing. The language used was simple, easy to understand and flowed extremely well. In my opinion, NaS’ verse crafting ability is better than most other rappers.

Biggie and Jay-Z tie for second. Jay-Z uses more of a narrative style in his verse. Strong imagery emerges towards the end of his verse and transports the listener to the scene of the shooting. The language is simple but carries a lot of emotional weight. The verse is very concise and descriptive but in very simple terms. It is extremely effective in evoking Jay-Z’s feelings after shooting his older brother. In contrast, Biggie’s verse is more layered and thoughtfully descriptive. He strings a lot of short, graphic phrases together to piece together a riveting story. Like the verses of his counterparts, You are transported to the midst of the scene while listening. His verse also had a bit more violence than both NaS and Jay-Z’s. Subtlety is not Biggie’s strong suit in this particular verse which has the more complicated sentence structure of the three samples.

So, In my opinion NaS posesses the best story telling ability of the three. Other’s may not agree because they misunderstood the question to be “Who’s the best emcee?” and also because of the assumption that Jay-Z is the best at everything. Well, that’s why this is my opinion. No one can take away from the fact that Jay- Z is the most commercially successful of the three but I think NaS has the edge lyrically. I find that Jay-Z has become very formulaic in terms of what he rhymes about. The majority of his music today seems to be about how great he is. NaS is not formulaic and never has been. He is more willing to experiment with subject matter and has evolved more as a rapper than Jay-Z. B.I.G. had the “x” factor…an unmatched ability to craft vivid stories that were extremely believable and plausible. If he was still here he would have surpassed Jay-Z and possibly NaS, in terms of record sales and popularity.

But as for who is the very best…the world may never know. Until we crown the king, the best storyteller of the three, in my humble opinion is NaS… no question.

Do you agree or disagree? Leave a comment!

VIDEO: Saigon – “My Crew”

enchantress81 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:50:44 +0000

I have a “love/hate” relationship with Saigon. I love him because I’ve met him on several ocasions and each time he was very pleasant and down to earth. But then I hate him because after all these years he still hasn’t released an official album. I hate him for making me wait so long and for realeasing all of this sub par material. I think he finally has a record out but I dont really feel inclined to purchase it yet. It’s called “Warning Shots 2″ and I will get around to giving it a listen momentarily.

In the meantime, this video was created earlier this spring at his home when he was bugging out with his boys. I kind of like it.

VIDEO: Rihanna on 20/20

enchantress81 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:41:11 +0000

Diane Sawyer interviews Rihanna about Chris Brown.

I liked this portion the best

Twitter, you’re on thin ice…

enchantress81 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:07:51 +0000

Twitter just isn’t fun for me anymore. I’d rather update my status on Facebook. It’s just a matter of time before I desert Twitter completely.