This is a test run…tell me what you think..

The podcast should have been launched on Monday but Podpress has some issues with the newest release of Wordpress. Just be patient; I’m not sure when it will be fixed but hopefully soon. I might try to use another plugin if its not fixed soon.

What’s up fam? I’m getting back into a regular schedule of updating. Hopefully no more life changes interrupt my normal update schedule for a while. Just a few random thoughts I have while uploading the debut Podcast for B-MOORE.NET

• Bolt’s 9.69 100m world record race equates to a 3.5 40 yard dash. That is crazy!
• After dropping a dope album, “L.A.X” THe Game needs to start entering the discussion of being a legend.
• The Olympics are very exciting this year, except they have a fish posing as human winning all these races.
• Its funny how the smog of Beijing disappeared as the Olympics started,what kind of device do those Chinese have?

This week I’m updating the site with the new podcast, new reviews, and a new editorial. Stay tuned!

Stop Snitchin, Stop Lyin - The Game

Elzhi – The Preface
Fatbeats

Elzhi, a lyrical monster from The Motor City, has been developing a strong buzz since he first joined Slum Village. He finally blesses us with his debut album, “The Preface”. Over the years he’s teased us with old material like “Witness My Growth” and “The Breakfast Club” but he’s finally blessed us with a full length LP that doesn’t disappoint. The album is mostly produced by fellow Detroit native Black Milk who evokes the soul of old Motown mixed with hip hop swag to give Elzhi one of the best soundscapes of 2008.

The Good: Elzhi shows that he’s more than “just” a lyricist. Instead of rapping about rapping he opts to craft good songs with dope concepts. Even when he’s on his lyrical thing, Black Milk’s production helps the track not get boring. “The Leak”, produced by Black Milk is a good jump off point with drums that knock and Elzhi’s flow and swag is on overdrive this creates a perfect storm. “Guessing Game” is a brilliant concept where you are constantly playing catch up with Elzhi’s beautiful mind. This song by itself raises the bar for mc’s. “Motown 25” featuring Royce the 5’9 is the crown jewel of this album. The beat knocks and both mc’s put it down. Royce displays that the mythical crown of “King of The D” still rests on his head. “Brag Swag” is that typical laid back production that sounds like a gem that was left off one of the SV albums. “Colors” is a fine example of an mc taking time with his craft. Even though its tried and true concept of picking a topic and inserting them throughout the rhyme he does it in an effective and refreshing way. “Save Ya” featuring T3 just knocks. The song makes me long for another SV album. This is Elzhi’s attempt at a “girl song” but it not the typical “let me love you boo”. He vividly describes situations and it makes this another unique spin on a tried and true concept. “Talking In My Sleep” another Black Milk production is a dope narrative about him dreaming and going through different mind states in his dream.

The Bad: Nothing is really bad on this album. The album starts to lose intensity toward the end.

The Ugly: Nothing.

Overall: Elzhi does not disappoint with his debut album “The Preface”. The album has a little something for everyone without overly reaching for a particular audience. The chemistry between Black Milk and Elzhi is evident throughout the album. “The Preface” is a brilliant album with excellent wordplay and chest pounding beats. If Elzhi is the future of hip hop then it’s in good hands. Just as the skit on his album plainly states, “El is better than you”.

I’m on XBL — BMiz3rd.

Two Entertainment legends passed over the weekend. Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes contributed largely to the entertainment industry over the years. Isaac Hayes is probably one of the most sampled artists in hip hop. He was  one of the greatest musicians of our time and he will be missed. Bernie Mac made it clear on several occasions that, “he ain’t scared of you muthafuckas”. That was some of the genius of his work. He was making the transition from vulgar act to a more family friendly face. It’s sad that his life came to an all too early end.

Skillz – The Million Dollar Backpack
Koch Records

Skillz is a hip hop veteran who earned his respect in legendary freestyle ciphers from VA to NY. He has always been the rapper that seemed to be on the cusp but for some reason things never broke in the right direction for him. After bad record deals with hip hop moguls, a folding label and everyday growing pains Skillz returns with his 3^rd offering, “The Million Dollar Backpack”. After being in the game for almost two decades you would think his “skills” might start to diminish. It’s the exact opposite; in fact, his skill level has increased to All Madden type of highs. Skillz would try to overpower you with endless similes and punch lines, he decides to take a more subtle approach with brilliant wordplay and some top notch production.

The Good: There is a lot of good on this album. It’s comparable to his debut album, “From Where?!” Lyrically Skillz kills every song but this time he brings excellent song writing with a splash of brilliant concepts. After the intro the music begins with the Jake One produced, “Where I Been”. If this was the movies it would be the opening montage to bring the audience up to speed. “Don’t Act Like You Don’t Know” featuring Freeway is eerily reminiscent of Freeway’s “What We Do” but I forgive the “influence” because this song is almost as dope. “So Far, So Good” featuring Common is the first single (the video version has Kweli guest starring) is a dope laid back jam that fits the summer season. “Yeah You Know It” is a dope song. The beat knocks and Skillz shows the ferocity that he is known for. “Crazy World” has the big band feel that has Skillz stepping out of his normal zone of ripping mc’s to commenting on worldly affairs. Hold Tight” featuring Black Thought has two lyrical monsters going bar for bar. “I’m Gon Make It” produced by probably the most slept on producer in hip hop, Bink. This song is just raw. The beat is bare bones but it fits Skillz so perfectly. The album closes with “Preachin to the Choir”; it’s a narrative with a twist that would make M. Night Shyamalan blush.

The Bad: Nothing is really bad. There are some average points, namely “Be Alright” and “Sick”. Neither songs are wack by any means but both songs leave a lot to be desired.

The Ugly: Nothing.

Overall: The third time is the charm for Skillz. “The Million Dollar Backpack” plays like a dream deferred. This is the Skillz that the industry is missing. Unfortunately I fear the album might be about 5 years too late. “The Million Dollar Backpack” finds Skillz a more mature lyricist who knows he has nothing to prove but wants to prove doubters wrong anyway. Regardless of how the public receives this album; this album is what hip hop is all about. Skillz has weathered the storm of industry setbacks and released a phenomenal album.