www.rapaveli.com

REST IN PEACE TO THAT BOY PIMP CHAD

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 07:55:45 GMT

I remember standing at the T-Mobile stand at Jefferson Mall looking at a Blackberry when my uncle text messaged me and let me know that Pimp C had died. It seems like it’s been only a few weeks since that day but in actuality its been a whole year. After a complete calendar it still seems like its not really true. Pimp C was much too much of a real nigga for us to be down here sobbing over the fact that he isn’t’ with us anymore. Like when Pac and Biggie died it was for real sad, I guess because we never really saw it comin. Not that Pimp passing isn’t sad, its just that the dude who said “bend over let me see that hairy asshole” just had way too much fun to die.

It teaches us all a deep life lesson. No one is exempt from death and we are in fact here today and gone tomorrow. I thought about it earlier today, how Pimp’s passing was almost two fold. When I first heard he had to spend some years in the pen I was heart broken; obviously for selfish reasons. UGK had just dropped Dirty Money and it was aces. He was as close to being dead at that point as you can be. The songs and album he released while he was in were kind of like the posthumous work Pac continues to drop to this day. I feel like Pimp achieved legendary status even before he went it. So to me as well as the rest of the world he is more of a legend after his demise.

Rest In Peace Pimp C

December 29, 1973 – December 4, 2007

EPMD - WE MEAN BUSINESS (12-9-2008)

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 07:59:20 GMT

In my rather short existence on the face of earth EPMD has gone through more retirements and comebacks than the great Michael Jordan. The last time the duo called it quits; nearly a decade ago everyone thought they were indeed for real that time around. Of course time is always the determining factor in what happens as the world turns and low and behold they’re back. Put it like this my younger brother was like three months old when they dropped their debut album Strictly Business. Twenty years and some change later finds the legendary duo doing work with their seventh collaborative effort We Mean Business.

Raekwon The Chef spits alongside Parrish Smith and Erick Sermon on the album’s opening effort “Puttin Work In” as the three show and prove the value of their veteran statuses in the rap game. The Havoc assisted “What You Talkin” falls right in tune with the album’s gritty New York opener. The two go at it alone on “Roc Da Spot” as they create a nostalgic sound and feeling almost eerily similar to their earlier days in the game. The veteran hook ups continue as KRS-One lends his wisdom on the pretty average sounding “Run It.” Redman comes with his usual off the wall ass lyrics over the classic Erick Sermon vibes on “Yo.”

Erick and Parrish reach back to the early 90’s to dust off a fresh and energized Teddy Riley for the upbeat and favorable “Listen Up.” Method Man shows his ass alongside the duo on the tastefully hater proof “Never Defeat Em.” Erick and Parrish trade bars over the old school flavored “Jane.” North Carolina’s 9th Wonder makes the albums only outside production credit with his work on “Left For Dead.” On the Keith Murray assisted “Left For Dead” Erick Sermon spits, “same thing happened to Mary and Mariah / they both came back with fire, fuck retirin” as he speaks on the purpose of this latest album. The comeback album ends with the extra gritty “Actin Up.”

In a year where Lil Wayne has all but demolished the charts with pop friendly rap songs its admittedly nice to hear something so close to the essence of how this all started. Unfortunately sales will not be an indication of how good this album really is due to the current market's infatuation with fad music. True fans of EPMD should be thoroughly impressed with the high quality of rap music that Parrish Smith and Erick Sermon are able to process in these very uncreative times.

VERDICT – 14 / 20
LYRICS: 3
PRODUCTION: 4
DELIVERY: 4
CONSISTENCY: 3

COMMON - UNIVERSAL MIND CONTROL (12-9-2008)

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 07:58:40 GMT

After a decade and a half plus career Common has managed to see his status soar to space heights off the strength of his last two releases. Both Be and Finding Forever have been well received both commercially and critically. His latest effort Universal Mind Control finds him substituting his wining formula with the Neptune sound. The Virginia based producers end up handling seventy percent of the board work on Common’s latest effort. The question everybody wants to know is will this be another sloppy Electric Circus like release or will this make the Chicago artist a three-peat champ.

Common fans of Common will be fairly surprised as the album starts with the electro tinged opening titled track. The Neptunes production laid beneath Common’s bizarre lyrics will be something pretty hard to swallow after his last two efforts. Kanye comes through on the sexually provocative “Drunk Punch Love.” The Neptunes lend their production prowess on the modern but old school funk filled offering. By the time the Cee-Lo assisted “Make My Day” rolls around its apparent that Common made this album just to get some hard feelings off his chest. The next track, “Sex 4 Suga” will leave an even raunchier taste in your mouth thanks to Common’s overzealous sexual rants.

Listeners will find atonement in the Pharell assisted “Announcement” where Common puts down the condoms and lubricant for a mic and manages to get back on some hip hop shit. If it weren’t for The Neptunes’ rambunctious ass backing “Gladiator” might have actually been a favorable effort but the over worked backdrop ruins just about everything. When Common gets back to being his original self on the like of “Change” and “Inhale” he seems much more natural is spitting about shit that actually matters outside of the bedroom. Common shuts the album down with a rather tantalizing techno offering in the Mr. DJ produced and Martina Topley-Bird assisted “Everywhere.”

Though Universal Mind Control isn’t all the way horrible, it will definitely not go down as one of the better Common releases. Truthfully it just sounds as though Common made a bunch of tracks on lonely nights when he was in a particular mood but no one was available for him. Don’t get me wrong; some, if not most of the material is worthy. There just happens to be a seemingly over abundance of non-Common like material on Universal Mind Control. Maybe new age listeners will buy in; adversely seasoned listeners will be non-the-less disappointed with a bulk of the album’s material.

VERDICT – 12 / 20
LYRICS: 4
PRODUCTION: 3
DELIVERY: 2
CONSISTENCY: 3

TRACKSTAR THE DJ - CLASSICKNESS VOLUME: 2

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 07:58:03 GMT

Redman-Time 4 Some Aksion
Wu-Tang Clan-Protect Ya Neck
Organized Konfusion-Stray Bullet
Nas-The Message
O.C.-Time’s Up
BDP-The Bridge is Over
LL Cool J/Redman/Method Man/Canibus/DMX-4,3,2,1
Jay-Z / Notorious B.I.G.-Brooklyn’s Finest
Big L-Ebonics
Outkast- Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (Diamond D Remix)
Eric B and Rakim-My Melody
GZA/Method Man-Shadowboxin
Jay-Z-A Million and One Questions
MOP/Kool G Rap-Stick to ya Gunz
Scarface-A Minute to Pray and a Second to Die
Warren G/Nate Dogg-Do You See What I See
Pharcyde-Runnin
Camp Lo-Black Nostaljack (AKA Come On)
Devin the Dude-Do What You Wanna Do
UGK-Pocket Full of Stones
Notorious BIG/Bone Thugs-Notorious Thugs
Kool G Rap/Nas-Fast Life
The Roots-Concerto of the Desperado

Download Mixtape Here

DJ NOODLES - BACK ON MY B.S.

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 07:57:12 GMT

01. Relapse (Noodles Mix) - Eminem
02. Set It Off (Noodles Mix) - Kardinal Offishall / Swizz Beatz
03. I Get Money (Noodles Mix) - Young Jeezy / Red Cafe
04. Get Up (Noodles Remix) - 50 Cent (Prod. DJ Noodles)
05. In The Ghetto - Young Gunz
06. Show Em (Noodles Mix) - Young Jeezy / Slim Thug
07. My Life (Noodles Mix) - Lil Wayne / Rihanna
08. Represent The Team - Murphy Lee / Trazz
09. My Dream (Noodles Mix) - Akon / Biggie / Kanye West
10. Hustle Hard (Noodles Mix) - Maino / Glasses Malone
11. Addicted To Fresh (Noodles Mix) - Jay-Z
12. The Bad Guy (Noodles Mix) - Busta Rhymes
13. Dr. Freezer (Noodles Mix) - Freeway
14. The Real Hip Hop (Noodles Mix) - Kanye West / Jadakiss / Jay-Z
15. Hustler Story - Akon / Red Cafe / Glasses Malone (Prod. DJ Noodles)
16. Go Hard (Noodles Mix) - Ludacris / T-Pain
Bonus: Mrs. Officer (Noodles Remix) - Lil Wayne / Pitbull / Trazz / Bobby V (Prod. DJ Noodles)

Download Mixtape Here

SUPERSTAR JAY & SANDMAN - THE #1 SUPPLIYA

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:53:20 GMT

1.Intro
2.Questions-(Prod-Thx)
3.Uno Suppliya
4.Make It Clear Ft.Kurupt
5.So Fly Remix Ft Slim Of 112
6.Victorious Pt. 1 (Prod - Clark Kent)
7.You’ll See (Prod-Clark Kent)
8.Jidda Bug Ft. Red Cafe (Prod-Ruggedness)
9.Who Iz Sandman (Skit)
10.Nasty Feat. Dj Premier
11.Victorious Pt.2 (Prod-Clark Kent)
12.Live My Life Ft. Ji (Prod-Amadeus)
13.City Wide Feat. Roscoe P Coldchain , Ab Liva, Roscoe & Chinko Da Great(Prod- Jaz -O)
14.Natural Born Mc (Prod-Thx)
15.Yes I Am (Skit)
16.The Reaper Ft. The C.A.N.N.O.N.S.
17.Skit
18.Aint Cha Ft. Re-Up Gang (Prod-Neptunes)
19.Get Away Ft Slugz
20.Victorious Pt.3
21.The Rain Ft. Dd.Renae (Prod-Trackmasters)
22.We Will Not Lose Ft. Ji And Genesis(Prod-Tekneek)

23.Mr. Sandman Outro

Download Mixtape Here

JIM JONES SOUNDS EVEN STUPIDER THIS TIME

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:49:28 GMT

Just when I thought black America was on the way up this silly ass nigga Jim Jones just had to open his raggedy ass mouth and say some of the most ignorant shit I’ve ever heard earlier today. This mothafucka had the audacity to say that he thought that we as in black people should substitute the word “nigga” with “Obama.” Don’t believe me read for yourself…

“Shouts to all my Obamas, the niggas is out the Obamas is in,”

“The bitches is out and the Michelles is in. So if you’re lady gets you mad you say, ‘Michelle you betta get out of here before I slap the thunder out of you.’

“Nah, let me stop playing but that’s how we doing it this year we tryna switich up the f*cked up language we been saying for the past few years,”

“It’s actually been catching on a little bit I was on the radio yesterday and I heard somebody saying that and I was like, ‘Wow that’s a great thing if we could call Obama instead of nigga.”

What the fuck… we gotta boycott this silly ass mofo! But I must admit that his latest video is ok at best!

THE CLIPSE - ROAD TO TIL THE CASKET DROPS

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:20:49 GMT

Download Mixtape Here

SCARFACE - EMERITUS (12-2-2008)

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:10:40 GMT

As one of the founding members of the Geto Boys Scarface has lived to enjoy one of the most respected careers in the rap game. From his very first album Mr. Scarface Is Back all the way to today no one has ever questioned Facemob’s skills on the mic. Labeled as one of the best story tellers to ever grace a track Face looks to end his career on a high note with his latest and last effort Emeritus. After last year’s well received Made fans of Scarface already know that this one will be far from a dud.

As with all other Rap-A-Lot releases listeners have the immediate anticipation to hear J. Prince talk shit in his deep down in Texas ass drawl. This intro just happens to be a little more detailed as Prince recounts some of the shiesty shit he continues to go through. Face keeps it one hundred percent G on the album’s first single “High Powered” where he invites Papa Reu to put the final stamp on things. Lil Wayne and Bun B lend their rhyme expertise to the real king of the south on the stellar “Forgot About Me.”

On “Still Here” Face gets hood political as he speaks “white man versus black / and the reason I aint voting for Barack / is cuz I love him / and they gon want him hanged after that.” Texas mainstays K-Rino and Slim Thug help Face go hard at choosy females who didn’t notice them before the rap money dropped. The Product shows exactly why Face picked them up as they hold down the guest spots on “Soldier Story” where Z-Ro harmonizes the hard time hook.

Face spits with the ferocity of a rookie but the street wisdom of a twenty pls year rap general on the well laced N.O. Joe serving “Redemption Song.” Producer Jake One rips off a beat that had to be meant for 50 Cent with “High Note” as Face speaks of knocking off other dudes chicks for the duration. As the album draws to an end Face first snaps on a Sha Money XL track with the Wacko assisted “Unexpected” then he sums up his storied career with the Scram Jones stitched title track.

Scarface ends historic career just the way he started. Emeritus finds him Spitting about hardcore gangsta shit with the knowledge of an organized general over hard ass beats from some of the lesser known yet just as worthy beatsmiths in the game. Emeritus may contain just one track if any suitable for cross-over acclaim making it one of those albums that will only appeal a very centered core of hip hop listeners. If you want to hear about rims, bling, and clothes then that you won’t find here.

VERDICT – 15 / 20
LYRICS: 4
PRODUCTION: 4
DELIVERY: 3
CONSISTENCY: 4

E-40 - THE BALL STREET JOURNAL (11-24-2008)

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 20:54:00 GMT

For the majority of the last two decades Vallejo, California native E-40 has been a staple in bay area hip hop. Though he’s been doing it big since his 1993 debut The Mail Man he didn’t hit the cross over mainstream until 2006’s My Ghetto Report Card. Two years and some change later 40 Water hopes to once again cash in on his newfound success with the help of A-Town crunk master Lil Jon. With a rapidly changing musical climate only time can tell whether or not 40’s time is up or if it will ever be. His latest release The Ball Street Journal will be an instant indicator.

After a couple of hyphy bred joints courtesy of resident producer Rick Rock E-40 takes a trick to the ATL to snatch another certified banger from Lil Jon with the Shawty Lo assisted “Break Ya Ankles.” The Jonathan Rotem produced “Pain No More” turns out to be an emotional testament form three of the west coast’s greatest. Snoop Dogg, The Game, and 40 all turn in stellar performances for the album’s early highlight. 40 takes a solid four minutes to lift the skirts up on those constantly seeking handouts, killers who snitch, and even these gay ass ring-tone rappers on the Rick Rock helmed “Tell It Like It Is.”

Though they don’t do anything for me both the T-Pain assisted “Give Her The Keys” as well as the Akon assisted “Wake It Up” have that crossover appeal that drunk white chicks all over the world will most likely come to love. If it weren’t for 40 saying “40 about 40 fuckin times on the Lil Jon produced “40 Water” then it could have actually been a respectable serving. Bun B and Gucci Mane serve as 40’s kitchen aides as they all give Martha Stewart a run for her money as they lay down the dope process on “The Recipe.”

40 comes with an entirely different swag on the silky Raw Smoov engineered “Hood Boy” where he laces one for all the grown and sexy ladies out there. Lil Jon lays down a retro thumper as E-40 kicks things back to the west coast essence on the aptly titled “Earl.” The album comes to a conclusion with a somewhat reunion of The Click as B-Legit and Suga T show up on the heartfelt “Pray For Me.”

As a listener who came up during the first half of E-40’s career I really can’t get into his new stuff all too well. There seems to be a lack of that true bay area sound that 40 made his name with. Producers like Bosko and Tone Capone have been replaced with the likes of Lil Jon and Rick Rock. This is not to say that The Ball Street Journal is absolutely no good. In fact it may just be a great example of just how versatile E-40 really is. Even though this album won’t satisfy his long time fans he will still be able to find some younger and eager club patrons who will stop and listen.

VERDICT – 12 / 20
LYRICS: 3
PRODUCTION: 3
DELIVERY: 3
CONSISTENCY: 3

SAN QUINN - FROM A BOY TO A MAN (11-25-2008)

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 13:51:23 GMT

Thanks to rappers like San Quinn the state of California has been on a somewhat steady rise over the past few years. Though it’s been nearly three years since Quinn dropped his last joint The Rock: Pressure Makes Diamonds he has a 15 year long catalogue of staples in the bay area. His latest collection From A Boy To A Man is set to explore his upbringing in the Fillmore district of San Francisco. Due to the autobiographical nature of Quinn’s latest, this time out promises to be one of his best efforts to date.

San Quinn pours some California hood love over the album’s intro “Boy To A Man” as well as the encore effort “They’re All Waitin On Me.” Up and coming producer Chops laces Quinn with commanding heat as he takes time to boast about his Cali legacy on the standout banger “Double Dose Of Gangsta.” Quinn uses tracks like “Rockin Up Work” as well as the P.S.D. Tha Drivah and Cozmo assisted “Reinforced Steel” to paint vivid yet traumatic portraits of the ill California lifestyle. Bailey assists as he and Quinn go two for two on “My Brother” where they pen a heartfelt ode to their blood bonded loved ones.

The album’s highlight comes when fellow San Francisco spitter Homewrecka drops heat alongside Quinn on the 2Pac inspired “Dreamin Of Riches.” On the Boo Banga assisted “Catch A Body” Quinn sends out a quivering warning to all detractors over a perfectly equipped and gruesome backdrop. San Quinn shows how to be a real stand up father as he invites his son Lil Quinn to spit alongside him on the super sunny “Billionaire (What We Call Livin’).” On an otherwise well thought out album Quinn can’t help but to make just a couple of missteps. The Willie Hen assisted “Ready To Go” and “3rd Eye” are just a couple of those slip-ups.

Though From A Boy To A Man comes with a few minor blemishes Quinn definitely delivered exactly what he promised weeks prior to its release. These days its hard to come by albums he combine emotion, meaning, and grit; with From A Boy To A Man San Quinn aggressively rolls out the blueprint on just how its done. With a great mixture of California life and bats Quinn’s seventh album should do enough to penetrate markets hundreds of miles away from his Fillmore stomping grounds.

VERDICT – 15 / 20
LYRICS: 3
PRODUCTION: 4
DELIVERY: 4
CONSISTENCY: 4

THE EMPIRE - LIL WAYNE - THE DROUGHT IS OVER PART 6

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 11:36:47 GMT

1. Lil’ Wayne - The Reincarnation
2. Lil’ Wayne - Im A Monster/Eat You Alive
3. Lil’ Wayne - Red Magic (Feat. The Game)
4. Lil’ Wayne - Nina
5. Lil’ Wayne - Best Thing Yet
6. Lil’ Wayne - First Place Winner (Feat. Swizz Beatz)
7. Lil’ Wayne - Gorilla
8. Lil’ Wayne - Louisianimal (Feat. Lil’ Boosie)
9. Lil’ Wayne - Down Here (Feat. Rick Ross)
10. Lil’ Wayne - My Office
11. Lil’ Wayne - I Feel Me (Prod. By Mental Instruments)
12. Lil’ Wayne - Put Me In The Game
13. Lil’ Wayne - Different Girl (Feat. Nu Jerzey Devil)
14. Lil’ Wayne - Blinded
15. Lil’ Wayne - Forever (Feat. Chris Brown)
16. Lil’ Wayne - See It For Myself
17. Lil’ Wayne - Tell Everybody That You Know (Feat. Kanye West)
18. Lil’ Wayne - Whatever You Like (Feat. Jae Millz & Young Gutta)
19. Lil’ Wayne - Shootout
20. Lil’ Wayne - Dick Pleaser (Feat. Jae Millz)
21. Lil’ Wayne - Street Life
22. Lil’ Wayne - Drought Is Never Over

Download Mixtape Here

BRAND NEW BUN B BANGER

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:59:33 GMT

I just peeped this Nike commercial from Bun B on another site. I liked it, tell me what you think!

BUN B - BLACK FRIDAY

HELP PUT AN END TO AUTO-TUNE IN '09

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:39:32 GMT

I thought I went out on a limb by actually giving Kanye’s latest album a chance even though I feel as though I’m the only person in America who truly hates that auto-tune shit. I’ll even admit that T-Pain’s latest album wasn’t as painful as I thought it was going to be to listen to. Earlier today I found out that Diddy’s next album is going to be in auto-tune just like everybody else. Today people, I must declare that we put a stop to this shit once and for all. I say we should boycott all albums in 2009 that come out in auto-tune.

I mean for real how stupid of consumers is it to purchase people’s albums who really can’t sing. I honestly believe that Diddy’s new album will be more comically relevant than it is musically. Last time I checked rappers don’t do comedy and the only comedian trying to do rap still hasn’t managed a release so this shit is not ok. Like I said I went on a limb with Kanye’s shit, Lil Waynes “Lollipop” joint was acceptable lonely because Louisville’s beloved Static Major wrote it but I swear if I hear another fuckin veteran or newcomer for that matter come out and say they’re doing an entire album in auto-tune I’m going to go to all the stores bright and early on that Tuesday morning and break all the CDs they have in stock.

Call me a hater if you want; this is bullshit and I’m determined to put an end to this shit. Peace!

DJ SAINT 22 - GUCCI MANE - TRAP DEDICATION (THE DIAL 911 EDITION)

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:26:58 GMT

1.Sentenced Intro
2.Stupid
3.Loddi Doddi Ft. Shawty Lo, Yo Gotti & Gorilla Zoe (Official Version)
4.Trap Dedication Freestyle (Exclusive)
5.Broom Ft. Gorilla Zoe
6.Chain Swing Ft. Gorilla Zoe & Project Pat
7.Party Started
8.Stupid (Remix) Ft. Khao
9.Soulja Boy Speaks On Gucci Mane
10.Soulja Boy-Easy (Prod. By Zaytoven) (Exclusive)
11.Everybody Quiet Ft. Yo Gotti
12.Temper Tantrum Ft. So Icey Boyz
13.Murder Inc Swag
14.Catch Me In Da Hood Ft. Yung Joc & Yung Ralph
15.U Can Get It Ft. Nelly & R.Kelly
16.Street Smarts Ft. OJ Da Juiceman
17.Cut Throat Ft. Lil Jody (Unreleased)
18.Murda All Day (Shots At Lil Wayne)
19.Do It Ft. Nitti & 9th Ward (World Premiere)
20.Bonus Track: Kanye West-Bad News (Off The Rocker 3 World Premiere)

Download Mixtape Here

LIL WAYNE - I AM MUSIC - TOUR

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 23:55:47 GMT

It’s no doubt that this has been no one else other than Lil Wayne’s year. To cap things off the New Orleans native is capping off ’08 with the 24 city “I Am Music” tour. The tour is to start on December 14th and end on January 19th of ’09. T-Pain, Keisha Cole, and pop group Gym Class Heroes are all tabbed to appear alongside Wayne on the tour.

Wayne has also been recognized with a People’s Choice Award nomination for Favorite Hip-Hop Song for “Lollipop” and American Music Awards nominations for Artist of the Year, Favorite Male artist (Hip-Hop/Rap Music) and Favorite Album (Hip-Hop/Rap Music).

In other related news Wayne is also planning to follow up Tha Carter III with a collection of completely new material which he will title Tha Carter III: The Rebirth, which is rumored to be available as soon as next month.

The aforementioned album is said to feature an “A Milli” remix with Cory Gunz,
Hurricane Chris, Lil Mama and Tyga, as well as “Lollipop Part 2” with The Dream, T-Pain, Chris Brown, T.I., Birdman and DJ Khaled.

Also on the album is a reunion cut entitled “Let’s Do It (for The City)” featuring Cash Money’s former roster of stars: B.G., Turk, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Birdman and Slim.

Tour Schedule: (some dates and times are subject to change)

December 14th Miami, FL American Airlines Arena
December 18th Houston, TX Toyota Center
December 19th Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
December 21st Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheater
December 22nd Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheater
December 23rd Oakland, CA Arena
December 26th Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena
December 27th Chicago, IL United Center
December 28th Philadelphia, PA Susquehanna Bank Center
December 29th Greensboro, NC Coliseum
December 30th Washington, DC Verizon Center
December 31st Atlanta, GA Phillips Arena
January 2nd Charlotte, NC Bobcat Arena
January 3rd Hampton, VA Hampton Coliseum
January 4th Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena
January 8th St Louis MO Chafeitz Center
January 9th Kansas City MO Sprint Center
January 11th New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
January 14th Montreal, CAN Bell Center
January 15th Toronto CAN Air Canada Center
January 16th New York (LI) Nassau Coliseum
January 17th Hartford, CONN New England Dodge Music Ctr
January 18th Atlantic City, NJ Boardwalk Hall
January 19th Worcester, MA DCU Center

LIL KEKE - LOVED BY FEW, HATED BY MANY (11-18-2008)

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:17:44 GMT

As far as I can remember Lil Keke has been a staple in the side of the Houston rap scene. For well over ten years now Keke has been brandishing his own unique fashion of TX heat. Though he borrowed the title Love By Fe Hated By Many from his Texas brethren Willie D for his latest album Keke has undoubtedly earned every ounce of respect he’s acquired. From debuting during the DJ Screw heyday to joining H-Town’s current resident DJ, DJ Michael “5000 Watts” at Swishahouse Keke is ready to cash in on over ten years of consistency.

Keke’s twelfth album starts off rather slow but as we move into the bulk of things it gets much better as is the case with the Slim Thug and Paul Wall assisted “Money In The City.” Crys Wall assists, as Keke gets personal on the piano ridden “Miss My Boyz.” Keke kicks some bars for the ladies on “4 Doors And Coupes” as he displays the passion that even G’s have for hood love. The album’s first single “I’m A G” features a new verse from the Don Ke as he reiterates his top dog status in H-Town. Producer Mr. Bangladesh lends his production swag to the Blak assisted “What It’s Made For.” After several serenade-like renditions Keke makes a return to his true form towards the end of the album with the likes of “Scholarships To The Pen” as well as the delicious “Slab Holiday.”

I’d be lying if I were to say that this album was anywhere near the level of quality that close followers of Lil Keke is capable of producing. An over abundance of cross over attempts will make this album hard to swallow for most H-Town enthusiast. The bottom line in my opinion would be that next time out Keke needs to focus completely on satisfying his core audience exclusively as opposed to trying to gain new ones.

VERDICT – 12 / 20
LYRICS: 3
PRODUCTION: 3
DELIVERY: 3
CONSISTENCY: 3

HIP HOP BACK ON THAT CIPHER SHIT

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:55:58 GMT

Kanye West, De La Soul, Nas, will.i.am & Mos Def Perform
@ G.O.O.D Music After Party

CHAMILLIONAIRE - MIXTAPE MESSIAH 5

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:49:41 GMT

01. Chamillionaire - Into
02. Chamiilionaire - Keep Hating Pt. II
03. Chamillionaire - Swagga Like Koop
04. Chamillionaire - I Got
05. Chamillionaire - Internet Nerd's Brother
06. Chamillionaire - Land of the Slowed
07. Chamillionaire - I'm The One
08. Chamillionaire - All I Got Is Pain
09. Chamillionaire - Get It Understand
10. Chamillionaire - Down the Freeway
11. Chamillionaire - F***'in With Cars
12. Chamillionaire - Prank Call
13. Chamillionaire - Really Isnt Fair (Feat.Famous)
14. Chamillionaire - Ran Out of Auto-Tune
15. Chamillionaire - Cant Get Enough
16. Chamillionaire - Answering Machine Skit
17. Chamillionaire - End The Fighting
18. Chamillionaire - Ready For Whatever
19. Chamillionaire - Do Your Thing
20. Chamillionaire - Outro
21. Chamillionaire - Texas Fo' Life
22. Chamillionaire - No Way

Download Mixtape Here

RIP MC BREED

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:27:59 GMT

4 all of those who don't know, MC Breed died Saturday (11-22-2008.) I think everyone will agree that although he wasn't the "biggest" rapper. He was a staple in hip hop. RIP

-Tom Oliver

hip hop historian & enthusiast

JIM JONES & SKULL GANG PRESENT A TRIBUTE TO BAD SANTA - STARRING MIKE EPPS

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:36:42 GMT

01. Jim Jones Feat. Sen And Shoota - Intro
02. Mike Epps - Mike Epps Skit #1
03. Jim Jones, Noe And Tom Gist - Christmas Eve
04. Julez Santana, Feat. Rab - Christmas In The Ghetto
05. Chink Santana, Freekey Zeekey, Sen And Tom Gist - Baby Keep It Here
06. Mike Epps - Mike Epps Skit #2
07. Mel Matrix, Riz And Shoota - Christmas Like This
08. Julez Santana Feat. Skull Gang - Christmas Song
09. Mike Epps - Mike Epps Skit #3
10. Freekey Zeekey, Noe And Sen - All The Things I Want
11. Starr Feat. Julez Santana - Jingle Bellz
12. Mike Epps - Mike Epps Skit #4
13. Noe, Red, Shoota, Tom Gist And Toxic - Better Not Cry
14. Freekey Zeekey Feat. Frost, Sen And Shoota - On The First Day
15. Skull Gang Feat.Roger Dat - Merry Christmas
16. Jetlag Ash, John Famous, Noe, Riz And John Famous - 12 Days Of Christmas
17. Black, Shoota, The Sandman And Chuck Diesel - Brydgang Christmas
18. Hardluck, Shoota And Tom Gist - Gotta Get That
19. Esso, Jim Jones, Mel Matrix And The Sandman - It's Christmas Time

Download Mixtape Here

SHEEK LOUCH - EXTINCTION (LAST OF A DYING BREED)

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:28:46 GMT

01. Can't Stop
02. It's Your World
03. Get Yah Ass Up (Feat. Bully And A.P.)
04. Get Money (Feat. Jadakiss)
05. Gimme A Light (Feat. S.I.)
06. Sucka 4 Luv
07. Stop Frontin'
08. Put In Work
09. Til It's Gone (Feat. Buck And Snipe Lyfe)

Download Mixtape Here

IS TI SNITCHIN OR KEEPIN IT REAL

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:25:07 GMT

I saw this story begin to unfold the day before yesterday. When I heard that TI was taking the stand against Philant Johnson’s accused killer I wasn’t a bit surprised. As the story began to break more and more some dumb ass people began to label TI as a “snitch.” As I’m sure that most of the people who are calling this man a snitch are probably dumb as shit and standing on the corner selling packs as I write this so naturally their opinions don’t count in my book.

It is just very aggravating to see the first black president get elected just over two weeks ago yet we as a race continue to still do and say the same old dumb shit that continues to hold us back. People please wake up and realize that sometimes the right thing to do in life might jeopardize your street credibility. To me it takes a real man to understand this and go against what these so called hood niggas are talking about and stand on the other side of the law.

We really have to stop all this living and dying by the streets bullshit. For real when was the last time you saw somebody retire from sellin dope, or retire from gang affiliation. It doesn’t happen that way. Black people are oppressed not because of white people but simply because of ourselves. If we as a race can’t understand the sense in testifying against someone who killed your best friend then we are not deserving of what we constantly demand. Other races all around the world make changes as time goes but for some reason we black folk can’t seem to comprehend that maybe sellin dope isn’t the key to getting ahead.

All through the O’bama campaign I saw beautiful black people holding signs that screamed the word “CHANGE” and here we are two weeks later still on the same exact bullshit. Wake up black America, O’bama can’t change the world and or our conditions. We have to offer some of ourselves to make this shit work. We now have the opportunity to erase the bad taste that some white people have in their mouths because of some of our actions and lifestyles. I’m telling you now, if we don’t shape it up O’bama will be the first and last black president that this country has ever seen.

KANYE WEST - 808s & HEARTBREAKS

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:57:11 GMT

Since I’m writing my introduction last I will go ahead and say that I was not ready to give this album a chance upon hearing that Kanye West was going to do the entire thing in auto-tune. However, after just three tracks I had an entirely different respect for Kanye’s creative capabilities. That’s not to say that 808s & Heartbreak is an instant classic or anything of the sort, it just features a few tracks that have a Michael Jackson mystique about them just like he said they would.

Kanye gives his listeners no chance to get adjusted to his new singing gig as he opens the album on a love ballad note somewhat reminiscent to some Coming To America type shit over foreign sounding drums on “Say You Will.” On “Welcome To Heartbreak” Kanye takes a rather objective look at the cons of his lavish lifestyle compared to the pros of a normal life. The great thing about this album is the amount of diversity that it offers from the beginning second. That diversity is pushed to the limit on the European sounding “Heartless.”

Def Jam associate Young Jeezy turns in an incredible sixteen over the hopeful backdrop of “Amazing.” I honestly had a big thing against “Love Lockdown” when Kanye delivered it for the first time at the MTV Video Music Awards but after listening to the meat of the album it definitely fits even though its not the best offering. For that matter neither are “Paranoid” or “Robocop.” In fact each sound like some shit stolen from the Ferris Buellers Day Off soundtrack.

After Kanye decides to come off his 80’s kick he doubles back with more a more enjoyable effort like “Street Lights.” Though he’s contested it up until this point Kanye seems to be speaking to a certain someone who influenced a large part of this album on the violin laced “Bad News.” Unfortunately the Lil Wayne assisted “See You In My Nightmares” turns out to be one of the albums biggest busts. Kanye uses the album’s last two offerings “Coldest Winter” as well as the live freestyle “Pinnochio Story” he did in Singapore to pay tribute to his mother who passed just over a year ago.

Kanye West uses his fourth studio release to push his own creative envelope well past the limits that most rappers could only dream of attempting. 808s & Heartbreaks shows just how much of a musical genius Kanye West really is. This album has the ability to appease both rich Republicans as well as down and out Democrats. Kanye displays more of his personal yet non-monetary triumphs as well as some of his deepest self sympathies.

VERDICT – 15 / 20
LYRICS: 4
PRODUCTION: 4
DELIVERY: 3
CONSISTENCY: 4

LUDACRIS - THEATER OF THE MIND (11-24-2008)

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:42:42 GMT

I remember Ludacris first emerging on the hip hop scene when I was a sophomore in high school with his raunchy debut single “Whats Your Fantasy.” The singles that would soon follow were enough to convince me and the rest of the world that Luda was the farthest thing from a one hit wonder. Now eight years and seven platinum plus albums later Luda is still the undisputed king of the south with over 11 million album sold; the most of any southern rapper to date. His latest effort Theater Of The Mind. Theater Of The Mind promises to be a more conceptual journey through the mind of the over-the-top ATL wordsmith.

Luda sounds very similar to his old and more aggressive self on The Runners produced opening intro. Floyd “Money” Mayweather co-stars with Luda while lending some corner inspiration on “Undisputed” where Luda talks shit and goes to the extent of threatening to run up in the stands like the Indiana Pacers did in 2004. TI and Luda co-star together as they prove they’ve done more than gotten past their beef as the two combine for the second or third time on “Wish You Would.” T-Pain co-stars on “One More Drink” where he and Luda show and prove their uncanny abilities to knock off major hits with ease.

Luda travels across the country to hook up with The Game on the Clinton Sparks helmed “Call Up The Homies” then brings things back home as he enlists the help of co-stars Rick Ross and Playaz Circle on “Southern Gangstas.” Ving Rhames narrates the track identical to the way he works BET’s American Gangsters. Luda uses Chris Rock commentary as he keeps the TV parodies rolling on “Everybody Hates Chris” where he uses the whole track to hate on himself much like many people in America already do.

Chris Brown and Sean Garret co-star with Luda to make panties wet all across the nation on the album’s first single “What Them Girls Like.” Producer extraordinaire Darkchild handles the board work on the seductive offering. Swizz Beatz laces Luda and Plies with the synthesizer heavy offering on the sexually outspoken “Nasty Girl.” Scott Storch rises from the realms of major debt to lace the Jamie Foxx assisted “Contagious.” Both Luda and Lil Wayne go hard on “Last Of A Dying Breed” as they attempt to prove that hip hop isn’t dead, it just lives in the south.

On the DJ Premier helmed “MVP” Luda manages to go bar for bar straight lyricism on some essence type hip hop shit as the first southern rapper to spit over a Premier beat. Jay-Z, Nas, and Luda all proclaim to be the best as they take some time to express their passion for the art on “I Do It For Hip Hop.” Luda returns to his Chi-town roots as he enlists Common for a cameo on the 9th Wonder engineered “Do The Right Thing.”

In a year where very few albums will be remotely discussed a decade from now Ludacris’ Theater Of The Mind easily finds its way on that list. Luda managed the unthinkable by rhyming with the ferocity of his early career coupled with his maturity from his last album. This album should be a perfect soundtrack for those getting their grown man on in the aggravated market of today. Just last week Ludacris promised his best album, whether or not he lived up to that will ultimately be up to you. Do trust that there is an adequate argument on either side of the spectrum.

VERDICT – 17 / 20
LYRICS: 4
PRODUCTION: 4
DELIVERY: 4
CONSISTENCY: 5

DJ SCREAM - DJ SPINZ - B.O.B. - WHO THE FUCK IS B.O.B.

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:24:59 GMT

Download Mixtape Here

THE NIGGA CARD

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:20:37 GMT

I was up this morning checking some other hip hop websites and I just happened to run across this small video clip. It seems as though the N word is holding less and less value these days. On the subject of "the nigga card" somebody told me I lost mine because one of my ex weed-men called me one night while I was at Starbucks drinking a venti caramel Frappucino while studying finance. Yea... um dumb ass nigga!

BLACK PEOPLE SHOULD STOP SMOKIN WEED

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:16:33 GMT

Alright, enough is enough. Black people rich and poor need to stop smoking weed and we need to get our shit together. A couple of weeks ago we have a historical presidential election and things seem like they camefull circle for race relations in this country. Then I wake up this morning andI see that Katt Williams is somewhere in South Carolina actin a damn fool. In the report it says something about he wants some psychiatric evaluation or some shit. He don’t need no psychiatric evaluation. He needs to stop going to get high Chris’ house and purchasing the ten most potent forms of weed off the chronic buffet. I always kick myself in the ass for the amount of time that weed can make me waste. If you look at the corresponding news clip you will fully understand just how much time you can waste when you’re high as shit. I mean for real if trying to check in to some half ass side of the road motel in a bath robe and a towel aint wasting time them you must be smoking the same shit!

SKEET TASTE

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:56:47 GMT

If you haven't already seen it or if you think Katt Williams has lost it he has a new DVD that everyone in America needs to see a couple of times. Just in case your neighborhood bootleg king hasn't gotten it in for you yet here's a small skeet taste of his new DVD It's Pimpin Pimpin!

DRAMA - LIL WAYNE - DEDICATION 3

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:51:09 GMT

1. Welcome Back
2. Dedication 3 f. Mack Mane, Willie The Kid, Gudda Gudda
3. What Else Is There To Do
4. Dick Pleaser f. Jae Millz
5. Ain’t I f. Jae Millz
6. You Love Me You Hate Me
7. Bang Bang f. Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda
8. The Other Side f. La The Darkman, Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda
9. My Weezy f. Shanell, Lil Twist & Tyga
10. A Dedication
11. She’s A Ryder f. Gudda Gudda
12. Still I Rise f. Nicki Manaj
13. Magic f. Gudda Gudda
14. Do’s & Don’ts Of Young Money
15. Whoever You Like f. Jae Millz & Gudda Gudda
16. That Was Easy
17. Get Bizzy f. Gudda Gudda
18. I Got That Gangsta f. La The Darkman & Willie The Kid
19. A Message To The DJ’s
20. Stuntin f. Drake
21. Dedicated
22. Put On For The Game f. Tyga & Gudda Gudda
23. Dedication 4

Download Mixtape Here

OH SHIT DEDICATION 3 IS COMING

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:39:01 GMT

Well it seems as though all of you haters out there will have some new shit to hate on. The hardest working rapper ever has obviously spent little time celebrating the success of his 2.5 million in sales of his last album. Wayne is about to hit you with the first of the who knows how many unofficials that will lead up to his next studio opus. Check back later this weekend for download details!

THE RECESSION... NOT THE ALBUM

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:16:29 GMT

Over the course of the past few months as most of you mayhave or may not have noticed the country is going through a recession. Yes areal recession just like the title of Young Jeezy’s latest album. What arecession means is that basically we’ve been in a money slump for more than afew months. I’ll save my whole recession speech for another day but today itbecame apparent to me that even mainstream rappers are beginning to feel theeffects of the tumultuous economic crisis. When dudes who usually lie about allthe shit they don’t have start crying broke then you know something must bewrong.

I read somewhere today that Damon Dash is about ten millionin the whole. Ten million! How is it that an individual who used to rent condosin London for the fuck of it is not only flat broke but in the whole. From mycalculations since I don’t have very much money at all and Dame Dash is tenmillion in the whole I’m a cool ten milli richer than Dame. I’m not at allhatin. As a matter of fact I feel your pain Dame. No more pouring Cristal overthe side of the boat huh!

It seems as though 50 Cent and Lil Wayne have realized thatdropping new and unnecessary products this holiday season is most likely goingto be a bust. For some reason 50 still thinks that he is some how going to sell11 million copies like his first debut. You see 50 has what I like to call theDogg Syndrome where basically his first album will be the only thing he everreleases that’s worth buying. As for Wayne I think he has come to theconclusion that since he dropped his last album back when Bush said that theeconomy was in good shape he definitely doesn’t want to press his luck toomuch. I don’t know about you but I knew that shit wasn’t the same when 2.5million made a year’s top selling album.

P.S. The extremely low gas prices are not a good thing…

CYNICUS - MICK BOOGIE - THE 10th WONDER MIXTAPE

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:24:52 GMT

1. Intro
2. They Snitchin
3. Take Me Away
4. Stunning Life
5. Never Know
6. I'm Back
7. This Is...
8. Cyncere Pt. 2
9. Lorain
10. In The Ghetto
11. Robbery She Wrote
12. Classic (Outro)

Download Mixtape Here< /a>

DJ SKEE & CHARLES HAMILTON - SONIC THE HAMILTON

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:29:53 GMT

01. Enter the Hedgehog
02. Where’s My Fucking Genesis
03. 10 Minutes
04. Put Cash Up (feat. Show “Tails” TuFli)
05. Ringtone Rap
06. Two Left Feet (Swaggerless Swag)
07. Frustration and Failed Suicide Attempts
08. Stir Of Echoes or Sleeping Beauty
09. Scourge the Hedgehog (Yung Nate)
10. baby sonic
11. Lemme Know
12. SuperSonicVents
13. Happy Ending
14. Fans Are Cool

Download Mixtape Here

RIP & HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPHEN "STATIC MAJOR" GARRETT

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:26:43 GMT

KANYE WEST ON SOME CELEBRITY-GANGSTA-STREET SHIT

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:21:49 GMT

As we all have heard by now both Kanye West and Ludacris will bereleasing albums on the 24^th of this month. I don’t know if anyoneelse thought of the irony that exists between a rapper from Atlanta who movedto Chicago versus a rapper from Chicago who moved to Atlanta for the 2008 hiphop superbowl bout. Kanye West spoke on an array of topics in a recentinterview that just happened to take place on this very day.

In a recent phone interview Kanye West spoke on the anticipation behindhis latest album as well as some of his personal turmoil throughout the courseof the past year with this.

"I'm at a listening session in the UK playing my joint right now. Ilove listening sessions, because it feels like Christmas Day when the parentsget to see their kids open up the gifts. I feel like I try to give the gift ofmusic. This album is based off the devastation and the hurt that I’ve felt thepast year. All the hurt that I’ve felt within the past year from all the lossesthat I’ve endured, have sort of settled me into being this fucking super-famousalien, where everywhere I go, somebody wants a fucking photograph…it’s hardwhen you not really a celebrity, but you’re just a real person that ended upbeing famous for your craft."

Kanye clarifies his decision and musical abilities with this as he spokeon auto tune and its relevance with the title 808's & Heartbreak:

"What’s good is that this is therapeutic for me…it’s better thansuicide to just keep on putting out music and art. I got a lot of backlash forthe medium that I wanted to do this in. I created a thing I call ‘Heartbreak,’that’s like a mixed drink. It’s Auto-Tune meets distortion, with a bit of delayon it and a whole bunch of fucked up life. And that’s what I call my‘Heartbreak.’ And that’s what every record basically has.

"I’m delivering what I feel like is art, and that’s what I want todeliver from this point on. The records I’m doing right now might not have highhats and shit like everything else has. But when I go out and be listening toshit like Jimi Hendrix and The [Rolling] Stones and Lenny Kravitz, theywouldn’t play no Hip Hop records in the midst of that. I feel like niggas giveup on trying to make music on the Quincy Jones level. On this record I’m tryingto improve my craft and take it a level that no nigga ever made it to. Noniggas are rocking 50,000 people and stadiums with 100,000 people 10 yearsafter their records came out. Anybody that saw the tour knows my goal is totake it to a whole ‘nother level."

Kanye speaks on how his latest album will relate to different peoplewith…

shit that has niggas bobbing their head crazy like 'Can’t Tell MeNothin'.'  "Ofcourse I always hit ‘em with a curve to start off with. Y’all know with that'Heartless, 'that’s straight nigga shit. The whole album is shit that 50 would rap over, but I’m trying to put them Phil Collins melodies when I rap tothem. Even if I’m harmonizing, it’s still from a nigga perspective. I’m not makingno ‘Girl You Know,’ this is the perfect melody…Nah, this is none of that. Thisis still 100 percent, rap perspective music with melody."Kanye speaks on recent rumors of Good Ass Job in June…

"It’s rumors of another album coming soon. I’m not gonna put thatpressure on myself. I’m probably coming with another tour in June though. But,that’s where I’m at with my life right now. I really wanted to release thismusic, and I forced L.A. [Reid] to give me this release date. I was like,'Don’t fuckin’ wait months and months to set it up. Just give people themusic!' I’m constantly making music; we almost finished with Jay. Jay’s albumis coming in February…There’s a new Wayne with special packaging that’s comingbefore this Christmas is out. We’ve got a new record on there together. So westill got a bunch of shit." album. We was almost finished before I evendropped my album.

Kanye goes on to shed some light on recentrumors of him leaking songs from his new album…

"The label moved it up to get more Thanksgiving sales. They told meto get on the call and tell y'all that I did it because of the fuckin'excitement, but I don't do that shit...you know what I'm saying? The labelmoved it up. They were trying to get more sales and shit. I'm excited about thealbum.

"Also, 'Robocop' is completely different on the album. 'Paranoid'is different. I did not leak those, and I did not leak the 'Heartless' video.Motherfuckers is leaking my shit. The only shit I leaked was 'Heartless' and'Love Lockdown.' Them the only joints I actually put out. Basically, the labelmoved it up to get more sales and shit. If I get the sales, then cool. If Idon't, then, hey...I'll have to bare the burden, because I've been a cockymotherfucker and talked my shit and all that. And the people would love to seeme not sell...hey, it is what it is. That's the way life is, man. But hopefullyI sell."Kanye speaks on his recent collaboration with Young Jeezy…

"We'vebeen doing pretty good with the singles I'm dropping. We'll put this one out today,and hopefully get more sales because of it. It's got Jeezy on it. Jeezy camedown to Hawaii with us. Every time I write a chorus or write any type of hook,I be like, 'Man what would Jeezy do.' Niggas have big bumper stickers with'What would Jesus do?" but my shit is 'What would Jeezy do? What would hesay on this record?' I make my shit straight white t-shirt ready at all giventimes. So, he came down and helped out. But he actually helped with otherrecords. So it's records that's straight singing records that have Jeezy lineson it. And you'll feel that energy throughout the entire joint."

CLINTON SPARKS & DJ RUKIZ - SHYNE: IF I COULD START FROM SCRATCH

ambition-1@rapaveli.com (Maurice Williams - Ambition-1) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 21:27:31 GMT

1. Intro
2. Def jam & shyne warning djs not to release this mixtape to the streets
3. Shyne speaks on 50 cent (live from prison) [exclusive interview]
4. 50 cent freestyle dissin’ shyne on hot 97
5. Freestyle (50 cent diss live from prison)
6. For the record (50 cent diss)
7. Shyne speaks on brooklyn super group (jay-z, shyne & foxy brown) [exclusive interview]
8. Brooklyn’s finest, part 2 feat. notorious b.i.g., jay-z & foxy brown (clinton sparks remix)
9. Straight from brooklyn
10. Shyne disses diddy, part 1 (live from prison) [exclusive interview]
11. Here with me (produced by just blaze)
12. We don’t care feat. grafh
13. Shyne disses diddy, part 2 (live from prison) [exclusive interview]
14. Godfather
15. Where brooklyn at
16. Shyne disses diddy, part 3 (live from prison) [exclusive interview]
17. Death penalty
18. Keep it gangsta feat. g-dep
19. (live from prison) [exclusive interview]
20. Cant nobody feat. ashanti
21. Hoodlum
22. Shyne disses diddy, part 4 (live from prison) [exclusive interview]
23. The gang feat. foxy brown
24. Squeeze
25. i got my gun cocked (live from prison) [exclusive interview]
26. More or less (produced by kanye west)
27. i live this shit everyday (live from prison) [exclusive interview]
28. Pussy n pistols
29. suge, jay-z & dr. dre reachin out(live from prison)
30. Got beef
31. did he have a gun (live from prison) [exclusive interview]
32. Diamonds & mack 10 (produced by just blaze)
33. gonna be real interesting (live from prison) [exclusve]
34. Freak tonight
35. (live from prison) [exclusive interview]
36. No more peace
37. gangland green & gold (live from prison) [exclusive interview]

Download Mixtape Here

www.rapaveli.com

REST IN PEACE TO THAT BOY PIMP CHAD

EPMD - WE MEAN BUSINESS (12-9-2008)

COMMON - UNIVERSAL MIND CONTROL (12-9-2008)

TRACKSTAR THE DJ - CLASSICKNESS VOLUME: 2

DJ NOODLES - BACK ON MY B.S.

SUPERSTAR JAY & SANDMAN - THE #1 SUPPLIYA

JIM JONES SOUNDS EVEN STUPIDER THIS TIME

THE CLIPSE - ROAD TO TIL THE CASKET DROPS

SCARFACE - EMERITUS (12-2-2008)

E-40 - THE BALL STREET JOURNAL (11-24-2008)

SAN QUINN - FROM A BOY TO A MAN (11-25-2008)

THE EMPIRE - LIL WAYNE - THE DROUGHT IS OVER PART 6

BRAND NEW BUN B BANGER

HELP PUT AN END TO AUTO-TUNE IN '09

DJ SAINT 22 - GUCCI MANE - TRAP DEDICATION (THE DIAL 911 EDITION)

LIL WAYNE - I AM MUSIC - TOUR

LIL KEKE - LOVED BY FEW, HATED BY MANY (11-18-2008)

HIP HOP BACK ON THAT CIPHER SHIT

Kanye West, De La Soul, Nas, will.i.am & Mos Def Perform @ G.O.O.D Music After Party

CHAMILLIONAIRE - MIXTAPE MESSIAH 5

RIP MC BREED

JIM JONES & SKULL GANG PRESENT A TRIBUTE TO BAD SANTA - STARRING MIKE EPPS

SHEEK LOUCH - EXTINCTION (LAST OF A DYING BREED)

IS TI SNITCHIN OR KEEPIN IT REAL

KANYE WEST - 808s & HEARTBREAKS

LUDACRIS - THEATER OF THE MIND (11-24-2008)

DJ SCREAM - DJ SPINZ - B.O.B. - WHO THE FUCK IS B.O.B.

THE NIGGA CARD

BLACK PEOPLE SHOULD STOP SMOKIN WEED

SKEET TASTE

DRAMA - LIL WAYNE - DEDICATION 3

OH SHIT DEDICATION 3 IS COMING

THE RECESSION... NOT THE ALBUM

CYNICUS - MICK BOOGIE - THE 10th WONDER MIXTAPE

DJ SKEE & CHARLES HAMILTON - SONIC THE HAMILTON

RIP & HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPHEN "STATIC MAJOR" GARRETT

KANYE WEST ON SOME CELEBRITY-GANGSTA-STREET SHIT

CLINTON SPARKS & DJ RUKIZ - SHYNE: IF I COULD START FROM SCRATCH

Kanye West, De La Soul, Nas, will.i.am & Mos Def Perform
@ G.O.O.D Music After Party