29 July, 2002
Reviews: PYN Collection #1

24 July, 2002
For those who are having trouble downloading the Iron Grillz interview from MyPlay, you can also get it at www.spunge.org/~andy777/test/ice.mp3 - I recommend copying that link into GetRight or one of those types of programs. M.M.O., Killah Priest, Verbal Harassment, and Tragedy Khadafi are among the guest artists on Ice Grillz' album.

Albums: Protect Ya Neck Collection #1 (New tracklisting - the US release looks to be somewhat different to the Japanese version). There's not only a difference in tracklisting, but the track "Free Ol' Dirty" is actually a remix. Same beat, same ODB verse, but instead of Shorty Shit Stain and Champ MC, we have M.M.O. I don't know if this is the case for the Japanese version. Also Shyheim has an extra track called "Rumble In NY".

Album cover art update:
- Protect Ya Neck Collection #1 (Back Cover)
- Deadly Venoms - Still Standing (Front + Back Covers)

Other image updates:
- Protect Ya Neck Collection #1 (CD Inlet) (Miscellaneous Album Covers)
- Othorized F.A.M. Bumper Sticker (Image Gallery #3)
- 1.4.0. Productions Business Card (Image Gallery #3)
- Ice Grillz (Image Gallery #3)
- Deadly Venoms Group Shot (Image Gallery #3)
- N-Tyce (Image Gallery #3)
- Champ (Image Gallery #3)
- J-Boo (Image Gallery #3)

Props: Iron Spear

22 July, 2002
There is a new address for the Proverbs Music website. It's http://www.geocities.com/kingbless77/ and if you go to the site you'll find that they're selling Killah Priest's "Welcome EP" in CD format (it was previously available only on vinyl). Best of all it comes with a bonus track and you can see the cover art from the site as well. The tracklisting goes:

1. Welcome
2. Angels
3. Mystic
4. Out Of One

All tracks are produced by G-13 and being the die hard nut that I am, I have already placed my order. It's only $6.99 US including shipping (which almost sounds too good to be true).

AllHipHop.com have a new interview with Frukwan. Click here for that.

Albums: Welcome (EP), Release Dates (The Maccabees)

Props: GR Digits, and Most High King Bless

19 July, 2002
The uncredited Lighter Shade track on "School Yard Funk Art" is called "They Went So Quickly". 1.4.0. has almost finished "Volume #2" and made a comment that production has been stepped up and there'll be more singing.

Andy Allah has posted an audio interview with Protect Ya Neck's Ice Grillz. It goes for about 25 minutes and he talks alot on his upcoming album "Fire N Ice" and Protect Ya Neck Records in general. Go to MyPlay and login using iron@spear.com as the email address and icegrillz as the password. Alternatively you can download it in Real Audio format using this link: http://downloads.come2store.com/iron/icegrillz.rm (right click and choose "Save Target As")

The following is from a Daddy Rose Press Kit I received from Sean Burke of Excelsior Empire. They are not my own words:

Are you ready to experience the streets as you never have before? Are you prepared to dive headfirst into the concrete jungle that is Brooklyn, NY? Well, lace up your Timbs and tuck in your chain because "The God" is about to take you on a journey through the ghetto that you won’t soon forget.

You know who I be, ain’t one for playing games
When cats violate shit, they lay in flames
You know who I be, quick to put the gun in yo’ mouth
Black gloves, ski mask shit, run in yo’ house
-Daddy Rose, "The God" (Who I Be)

Who is ‘The God’ you ask? None other than veteran rapper/producer Daddy Rose. A native of Brownsville, New York, one of the most notorious ‘hoods in the hip-hop capital of the world, Daddy Rose is a veteran of the rap game and the street life. First picking up a microphone at the age of 10, Rose has made a successful career out of hip-hop despite taking more than a few bumps and bruises along the way. He realizes that hip-hop is an art form that has been exploited to the fullest and recognizes the need to bring back the things that once made that art form great. One of Daddy Rose’s many talents is his ability to give listeners an up close and personal view of the streets he grew up in. Unlike many of today’s rap artists, Rose not only shows us the violence, greed, and glory that go along with the street life, but he also shows us a deep understanding of the negative consequences that plague that life.

We shouldn’t have to live this life, this cold-blooded gangsta life
But the environment forces us to arm up and live for the moment
We don’t need a day, we need a lifetime of atonement
-Daddy Rose, "The God" (Dry Your Eyes)

Rose says that his music is "the message of my soul" and that it conveys "my experiences in life and how others can identify with them". "Hip-hop used to be a form of expression through art and poetry," Rose empathetically states, "but now it’s all about big corporations and money." Rose’s potential has afforded him work with some of the most powerful labels in the industry including Atlantic, MCA, Jive, and Rawkus, to name a few. Unfortunately, due to an unwillingness to compromise his music, none of Rose’s early partnerships were able to blossom into full-fledged opportunities. However, these setbacks have only made him stronger in his quest to spread knowledge through carefully crafted lyrics and tantalizing beats. Daddy Rose has what many of today’s watered-down mainstream artists lack: an armory of raw skills that have been thoroughly refined to perfection.

Shit, I was made to honor
Shave my head for what I believe like Sinead O’connor
Warnin’, I advise y’all don’t play the corner
In the orning’, comin’ to spray the corner
-Daddy Rose, "The God" (Think It Can’t Happen)

Daddy Rose is prepared to take the game hostage as he shoves his lyrical arsenal down the music industry’s throat. Rose can currently be heard and seen on national radio and television featured in AZ’s new lead single "I’m Back" from his newly released album "Aziatic". You can also look forward to hearing Rose on an upcoming collaboration with AZ on Motown Records. Rose’s own album should be released later this summer on the independent label, EXCELSIOR EMPIRE, INC.

So it’s time to sit back, fasten your seatbelts, and let Daddy Rose’s intoxicating flow guide you knee-deep through the ‘hood life he knows all too well. The industry has been warned; "The God" has come to take the rap game for all it’s worth.

Are you prepared to face the wrath of The God? Daddy Rose’s debut album, Issues, on Excelsior Empire Records, is sure to be a hip-hop classic. Don’t be the only one on your block who still doesn’t know; peep the included album preview and get ready because the game will never be the same.

Daddy Rose "The God" - "I Got Issues" Featuring:
AZ
Killah Priest
Amil
Heltah Skeltah
Eddie Kane
John Forte
Canibus
Phaze One
Black Rose Kartel
Sporty Thieves
20 Grand Pikasso

Album Sampler hosted by DJ Rated-R of Desert Storm:
1. You Know Who I Be
2. Not in Here
3. Long Ago
4. Associate My Name
5. Wanna Ball
6. In The Ghetto
7. No Good Hood
8. Fire
9. Welcome to Brooklyn
10. Don’t F*#% With me
11. Think it Can’t Happen?
12. Money

Question: How did you first get involved in hip-hop?
Daddy Rose: I grew up with hip-hop in my blood. Hip-hop represents my roots. I’ve been rappin’ since I was 10 years old.

Q: What message do you try to convey with your music?
DR: Hip-hop is a form of poetry. When I rap I’m sharing my experiences in life with others who can identify and learn from those experiences. Every song I make has its own purpose and its own personality. For the most part, I rap for the ‘lost sheep’; people who may be economically wealthy, but are poor spiritually.

Q: What was it like growing up in Brownsville, Brooklyn and how do your experiences there affect your music?
DR: A person tends to reflect their environment in whatever they do. When I rap about the crack, the dope, and the killing, it’s a reflection of the things I’ve seen comin’ up.

Q: In your opinion, what is the state of hip-hop today?
DR: I don’t even call this hip-hop anymore. Hip-hop has become a circus full of clowns. Being a rapper is no longer about lyrical skills; it’s about who has the nicest car and the most jewelry. The corporations are like the ringleaders. Hip-hop is an art form that’s been exploited to the fullest. I wish it was still about the art, but people have made it all about the money. I love hip-hop’s roots; not the fashion show that it is today. If I was just comin’ up now, I probably wouldn’t even be into hip-hop because it’s all just corporation bullshit.

Q: What MCs do you liken yourself to?
DR: I don’t liken myself to any other rapper. I never emulate what other people do. I always strive to be original. However, I do take elements from other genres of music like soul, jazz, rock, and the blues and incorporate them in my songs.

Q: Tell me about your affiliation with the Wu-Tang Clan.
DR: Me, RZA, GZA, and ODB all grew up together in the same ‘hood. We all came up as a part of the Five Percent Nation, which has remained an adhesive to our love. Killah Priest, along with me and my brother Eddie Kane, have a group called the Macabees. We’re working on an album together right now.

Q: I understand that you’ve got a deal in the works with Motown Records right now. Could you tell us a little about that?
DR: Motown has been talking to me about a one or two album deal through Quiet Money Records, which is my man AZ’s label. I’m also featured in AZ’s new lead single, "I’m back" off his upcoming album Aziatic which drops June 11th.

Props: 1.4.0. Productions, Andy Allah, and Sean Burke

17 July, 2002
Review: School Yard Funk Art #1, FAQ, B-Sides, Release Dates

Some news from Cno Evil who recently had a conversation with Remedy. Here are the main points:

- "Code: Red" will be released on September 17th, 2002 on Fifth Angel Records.
- Solomon Childs (a/k/a Kid Solomon) is on 3 songs, Lounge Mode is on 4 songs, RZA is on 2 songs and Sweetleaf is singin' on a couple.
- The song "Exodus" (which didn't make "The Sting" because of deadline difficulties will be on Code :Red, produced by RZA).
- A couple of remixes of songs were done of old songs. "The Anthem" (or "Chant An Anthem") has been revamped. Islord's part was taken out and Solomon Childs and Lounge Mode have verses on it now.
- A remix of "Education" with Lounge Mode has been made also.
- An animated video for "Game Over" has also been made.
- Lounge Mode is on Fifth Angel Records and Solomon Childs is really close to being signed next.
- Othorized F.A.M. are doing solo things now (I assume this means the OTF MC's are now working on solo material).
- Remedy is workin with Solomon Childs on his new album "If Not Now, Then When". The only songs from "King of New York" that are being sed are "A Little Kid Says Yo" and "Rap Star".
- Producers on Solomon Childs' album include Remedy, Junior (who produced "Three Amigos"), RZA and Allah Mathematics.
- Remedy is also working on a Fifth Angel Records Compilation entitled "The World of Shaolin" which will feature himself, Sweetleaf, Lounge Mode, Solomon Childs, Timbo King, Killah Priest and Guru from GangStarr. It is slated to be released in January/February next year.
- Timbo King's solo album is going to be called "Feature Presentation" (must be yet another album). Remedy will be working with him, "The Legacy" and "Fire" will be on that album.
- C-Wiggs is now part of the Starks Enterprise family.
- Remedy will be on Cappadonna's new album, a very angry Cappadonna that is (angry at himself no doubt over "Cappadonna Hits").
- Remedy will also be on RZA's "The Cure". But before RZA comes out with "The Cure" he is going to release ANOTHER Bobby Digital album due to hit stores in October.
- Cno Evil himself will be working with Remedy on lyrical and production matters.

Props: Cno Evil

12 July, 2002
This might not be news to some of you but Ghost has indeed signed a deal with Def Jam. His itinerary whilst under this label includes an [as yet] untitled third solo album, and a compilation of all artists signed to his "Starks Enterprise" label called "The Stapleton Project". This will feature Supreme (!), Wiggs, and Trife.

Updates: Release Dates (Ghostface Killah, Starks Enterprise, Warcloud and others), Links (The Original Free ODB Coalition : New page dealing with every legal angle on ODB's brushes with the law).

Props: GR Digits, Matt, and Leviathan

10 July, 2002
Reviews: Visions of the Tenth Chamber, Reviews: Dirty Weaponry, Albums: Protect Ya Neck Collection #1

A site called Publicity Whore has an interview with the Black Knights. Click here if you're interested.

Props: GR Digits

8 July, 2002
I have a fair bit to report today. Firstly though, I've had to remove the Killa Beez "translated" interview from my site, as the owners of Beatkings weren't too impressed with it. I did so to avoid any legal problems.

Secondly, DJ Catcher (aka RAV of Shaolin Island) has brought out a new mixtape of mostly previously released material. But it does have a new track on it by The Maccabees called "The Masters" which has been produced by Catcher himself. If you're interested head on over to http://wudjcatcher.tripod.com.

Andy Allah (who was once connected to Wu-International) has sent me a [high quality] Real Audio track by M.M.O. and Ice Grillz called "Stop Playing Games". It's a really good track so download it while you can:

http://masada36wbk.tripod.com/wureal/stopgames.rm (right click and choose "Save Target As")

Note: I tried to upload it to 3 different Tripod accounts but they were onto me in record time, so now I'm forced to do with just the one. You will need to download it before they cancel this account too. The video for "Stop Playing Games" will soon be released.

The new issue of The Source (with Eve on the cover) has some Wu tidbits in it:
- Some quick notes about P.R. Terrorist's album "DOMination" and shows the album cover. The album will come out on Napalm and the first single will be "Bum Rush" b/w "Times R Hard".
- Method Man will be on Lil' Kim's new album.
- There's a skateboarding article inside which says Method Man used to be a skateboarder, and the whole Clan are fans of skateboarding.
- GZA's "Legend of a Liquid Sword" coming out in October.
- Method Man & Redman have a new movie coming out.

Cno Evil has also given me this recap of the new Deadly Venoms album:
- Deadly Venoms : Still Standing (2002) - Rocks the World (RTW001).
- Members : N-Tyce, J-Boo, Champ (Notes: Finesse left, Champ dropped the MC suffix).
- On Hunting Season, J-Boo says "Inspect" like "Deck", so no hatred is there.
- It seems that Finesse's reasons for leaving are business, and Madam Scheez seems as the unoffical fourth member.
- Deadly Venoms rep Queensbridge (QB) to the fullest, so say Nas' name alot.
- To understand the whole DV album controversy, listen to J-Boo wit the first verse on "Chasing Dreams".
- Executive Producers : Storm, Russ, Scott, Marvin Storm, Smokin Joeh and Lexx for Rocks the World Productions.
- Mixed & Tracking by Dr. No (known for Wu engineering) at Rocks The World Studio.
- Supreme is part of the Rocks The World family.
- Coming Soon: 40 Glocc "The Jackal"; Rocks The World "Volume 1"; Illknob
- Rocks The World Artists : Deadly Venoms, Storm, Russ Prez, 40 Glocc, Ill Knob, Riggamortis, Supreme, Lexx, The Darkside, Smokin Joeh (formerly Wu-Syndicate fame).
Check the Albums: Still Standing page for a new and revised tracklisting.

Lastly, some Release Dates info (Tekitha, Remedy), and Links (Protect Ya Neck Records, Iron Chamber Entertainment).

Props: Andy Allah, Cno Evil, DJ Catcher, and Tha Masta

4 July, 2002
The Guardian Unlimited site has posted a new article on ODB. It deals mainly with his legal wranglings and these are some points to note:
- He's currently doing time in a place called the Clinton Correctional Facility (near the Canadian Border). It has 3000 prisoners and was once home to Tupac Shakur.
- He was assaulted by various prisoners in a New York holding facility last year and suffered a broken leg.
- He claims to have no friends in jail, keeps to himself, watches TV all day, and goes to drug rehab class where he learns nothing.
- He's 33, looks a lot older than he should and resembles nothing of his former self from previous years.
- Mother's name is Cherry Jones, and his wife is Icelene.
- Elektra dropped his contract because of his continuing legal problems, so he was forced to sign with little known LA label, D3.
- He hasn't even seen the cover art to his new album (visitors are not allowed to bring anything in).
- Most of the work on "Trials & Tribulations..." are coupled from old rhymes (no kidding!) and new guests. ODB had no idea that E-40 was on there.
- He once made an Elektra executive watch as another woman was performing oral sex on him at a Miami nightclub.
- To cut a long story short, these are his prior convictions:
- November 1997: Arrested for not paying child support for 3 of his 13 children.
- June 1998: Accused of stealing sneakers.
- September 1998: Charged with making terrorist threats during an altercation with security.
- January 1999: Charged (and later dismissed) for allegedly firing at NYPD officers.
- February 1999: First person to be arrested in CA for wearing a bulletproof vest in public.
- March 1999: Charged for running a red light. Police also found 20 bags of cocaine in his car.
- October 2000: Walked out of a correctional facility without being granted leave.
- Arrested a few days later at a McDonalds store in Philadelphia.
- Sentenced to four years prison for violating his parole and earlier convictions.
- In short: drugs have completely blasted his reality and screwed his life.
Happy 4th of July if you're American.

Props: GRDigits

1 July, 2002
Albums: Smuggling Booze In The Graveyard (Full Tracklisting), Albums: Terra Iz Him (Revised Tracklisting)

This is part of an email I received from Excelsior Empire rep Sean Burke on Daddy Rose:
"Hip-hop as you know it will never be the same again. Excelsior Empire, Inc. is proud to present Daddy Rose. With a revolutionary style that is bound to turn the rap game upside down, Daddy Rose is one of the most promising and exciting new artists that hip-hop has seen in years. He can currently be heard and seen on national radio and television featured in AZ’s new lead single "I’m Back" from his newly released album "Aziatic". We hope to show you why we believe that the future of hip-hop music depends on innovative new artists like Daddy Rose as well as independent record labels like Excelsior Empire. At Excelsior Empire we’re committed to making high-quality music that is appealing to a wide variety of listeners. The artists signed to our label were chosen because they’re different, original, and extremely talented."
I'm actually in the process of getting some info on Daddy Rose and his debut solo album. Any details I receive will be posted some time in the near future.

Props: Sean Burke, The Devil, and Tha Masta