Philadephia’s legendary B-Boy BBQ returns to form for 2010. This year’s festivities included a 2 block mural which featured outstanding pieces from writers such as SEEN, ARAB, and SYE. B-Boys and B-Girls also represented over classic tracks from Michael Jackson, Nu Shooz, The S.O.S. Band, Shannon, and more. There were several local designers and vendors showing their wares as well as delicious chicken and burgers grilled to magnificence. The B-Boy BBQ was founded in 1997 by Pose2 who stated: “Our continued and sole purpose is to maintain and celebrate the styles and traditions of our community through HIP HOP culture.” This well attended family event entered its 9th year after a brief hiatus. Previously at the Hawthorne Rec Center at 12th and Carpenter, the event was forced to cancel the 2008 B-Boy BBQ due to complaints of excessive crowds and vandalism at the 2007 event. It was a gorgeous day on Westminster Avenue in West Philadelphia as Hip-Hop heads of all ages came out in numbers to celebrate the return of one of its finest parties.

Jay-Z continues his international conquest, with high profile appearances this weekend at the Isle of Wight Festival with a special surprise guest  on Friday (June 11th). Then, Jay-Z jetted (literally) back to Manchester, Tennessee, where he rocked over 50,000 fans at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. At the 40th Annual Isle of Wight Festival, Jay-Z played a medley of his hits from his deep catalog. Older songs like “Is that Yo B**ch,” “Dirt of Your Shoulder,” “Big Pimpin’,” “Hard Knock Life,” in addition to newer hits like “On To The Next One,” “D.O.A.” and “Forever Young.” The highlight of Jay-Z’s set came when Mr. Hudson performed alongside Jay-Z on “Forever Young, while” Kanye West surprised fans when he popped out on to the stage to perform “Run This Town.”On June 13th, Jay-Z rolled into Manchester, Tennessee and braved 90-degree temperatures to see over 100 bands play, including Stevie Wonder, The Dead Weather, The Dave Matthews Band, Norah Jones and Kid Cudi. Jay-Z performed a medley of tunes to over 70,000 people, including Stevie Wonder. “Wait till I tell my mom Stevie Wonder stayed for my set,” Jay-Z said. “I want to make Bonnaroo my second home, if that’s OK with yall.” Jay-Z brought out Beyonce and Bridget Kelly, who performed vocals on “Empire State of Mind.”

The charts have been dismal. Let’s face it…they still are.  But there have been some slight to significant jumps from Hip Hop and Hip Hop inspired artists this week.First up this week is Usher whose latest album, Raymond vs Raymond, continues to put up numbers.  This week the ATL singer stays at the number five position and sells 34,565 copies of his ode to a divorce.He was number 17 last week, but this week B.o.B moves up four spots on the charts with his debut, The Adventures of Bobby Ray.  The rapper, from the same town as the artist at number five, manages to sell 19,310 records.  B.o.B entered the charts a few weeks ago at number one and, even though album sales are as low as they ever have been, he has managed to get a slow sales burn for his latest disc. The energy never dies and neither does this album.  The Black Eyed Peas latest album, The E.N.D, moves up two spots to number nineteen and moves 17,556 copies.Following them at number twenty is the dynamic duo Nas & Damian Marley with their Hip Hop/Reggae hybrid Distant Relatives.   The critically praised album sells 16,967 copies this week.Ludacris moves up one spot, from thirty to twenty nine, with his single-heavy album Battle of the Sexes.  The Hip Hop entrepreneur moves 11,736 copies of his latest release this week.I normally don’t include R&B acts beyond the top ten in this column but we have two artists that made it on the charts this week that weren’t even in the top fifty last week. First is Erykah Badu whose latest venture, New Amerykah, Part Two, claims the number thirty seven spot by selling 9,119 copies.  Then we have newcomer, Janelle Monae, and her debut album, The Archandroid.  The eclectic singer takes the number 45 position and sells 8,025 copies this week.Finally, in terms of Hip Hop, we have (ironically) a Hip Hop artist that released a non-Hip Hop album.  Lil Wayne’s rock inspired album, Rebirth, jumps from 49 to 43 and sells 8,266 copies.Dropping This WeekIt has been pretty dead in this section for the last few weeks but now we are starting to get a few releases. First up is an artist that is either loved or vilified by the Hip Hop community.  Somehow this guy just continues to put out albums.  South Florida’s own Plies drops his latest album Goon Affiliated.   I don’t know if that title means he’s not a goon but he just knows a few, or if he is part of a conglomerate of goons.  I already feel like I have wasted enough brain power on it so If you like Plies then go pick up a copy.Then, coming out of Chicago, we have Rhymefest.  His debut has critically acclaimed but received lackluster sales.  To be honest, this will probably do the same, but the dude puts out some decent music.  His new album, El Che, feature EL, Little Brother, and Darien Brockington to name a few.Some of you may know this next artist, and some of you will be looking at your screen wondering “Who the F*&$ is Travie McCoy?”  Well, for starters he’s the rapping front man for the rock group Gym Class Heroes. (I Know….I know…”Who the F*&# are the Gym Class Heroes?”  Google m####*@#^!$.  Google).  This week he steps out of the group and goes solo with his debut, Lazarus.  Some of the artists featured on the album are T Pain, Bruno Mars(dude that sings on that B.o.B song), and Josh Abraham.  He raps and he’s alternative.  That might actually put up some numbers.  We’ll see.I know a lot of people watched the Hip Hop Honors this past week wondering where this next artist has been hiding.  (Although, I’m sure some of you were just happy that there wasn’t any yelling on the track.)  Is crunk dead?  I don’t know.  (I’m lying..the answer is a definitive yes.)  The question is what does an artist that defined a genre a music do when people no longer listen to that form or style of music.  Ladies and gentleman….Lil Jon presents….Crunk Rock.  I’ll let you guys be the judge on this one.West Coast underground artist Chali 2na returns this week with his latest Fish Market Part 2.  The MC teamed up with DJ Dez Andres from Slum Village so fans of West coast Hip Hop (and Hip Hop in general) might want to give this one a listen.You only live once, right?  Not according to MF Grimm who releases You Only Live Twice: The Audio Graphic Novel.  Fans of artists like Doom or Grimm are already familiar with the music (which is an acquired taste.  I like it but I know it ain’t for everyone) and probably already knew this album was coming out.  For those out there looking to hear something different, this might be the album for you to hear.Well that’s it for the ChartWatch this week.  We’ll see if what makes it onto the charts next time.

I recently had the privilege of attending the Kanye West SHOW concert for Chicago Public Schools at Farragutt Career Academy on the low end the bridge, between the South side and the West side.My father is one of the resident history teachers at Farragutt, so I had the pleasure of spending the day and somewhat seeing the experience through the eyes of the students. The concert was a reward for improved attendance, grades, and behavior. Farragutt earned the right to host the event that was scheduled to feature the three most popular rap artists in the city of Chicago: Common, Lupe Fiasco, and Kanye West.The gymnasium was packed full of students anticipating the arrival of Kanye West. First Lupe set the stage on fire with “Superstar,” getting the crowd fired up. Then Common, the star of Just Wright came on stage with his Neptunes produced track “Announcement.”As the crowd got hyped in anticipation of Ye’s arrival, Common and Lupe announced that Kanye wouldn’t be able to come. You could tell that the crowd was somewhat disappointed. Lupe told the crowd that they would do their best to perform on one of his beats and “Run This Town” started to play.As Lupe began to give the crowd a Kobe Bryant like up fake for all you finals fans, Kanye came rushing on the stage. Kanye and his Chicago rap mates performed “Good Life,” his new single “Power,” and in closing he performed “Touch the Sky” featuring Lupe.All in all the show went on without a hitch. Kanye and the others were in arms distance of the students and he seemed to have a lot of fun on his birthday.From my inside view I saw a lot of deserving student who enjoyed the performance and some kids who had complaints about how short the concert was. But Kanye, Lupe and Common are men who make hundreds of thousands a show and millions a year to do a concert. I applaud them for doing one for free in their home town.

Born in Chicago, Illinois as a twin, Dolla’s sibling died at birth. Still, as the only boy amongst two sisters, the light-eyed MC admits to being spoiled. “We’d clean the house every Sunday but my only job was to take out the trash,” says Dolla. As a five year-old Dolla sat on his parent’s bed with his elder sister, Divinity, as their father took his own life. Dolla addressed his father’s death and his own mortality in one of his songs, “Rainy Nights”: “Papa died at 25 so he must have been great, they say the good die young, I guess I’m on my way.” Overcoming the obstacles of life Dolla remained persistent on his musical journey Forming a group called Da Razkalz Cru and eventually going solounder The Gang Entertainment/ Konvict Muzik/Jive while also modeling for Sean John clothing. Upon his return to LA to complete his debut album tragedy took place once more. On May 18th 2009, Dolla’s life was cut short by a cowardly act. Family, friends and fans of the late rapper continue to long for justice and closure. The Miseducation of Dolla is an exclusive mix-tape dedicated to the many supporters of the late rapper, Dolla and his family’s movement for justice. Download Link: Dolla-Miseducation of Dolla- Download

Ice Cube has been on other rapper’s Top 5 Dead or Alive lists more than enough times. It was time to get a list from the man himself. Like many legends, Cube has maintained a career in rap that is equal parts successful emcee and uncompromising rebel. From NWA to his solo status to Hollywood to the green pastures of independence, he’s that dude. Icon. He was brief, but he didn’t have to say detail much when he told AllHipHop the colossal names in his Top 5. “Chuck D (of Public Enemy). He’s my No 1, because his music was life changing. His music wasn’t just rapping. It was more than that. You gotta say KRS-One for those same reasons. Ice-T, for those same reasons. And then you got to think about a somebody like a Rakim. And, uh..I’ll throw myself in there. (Laughs)” Here is the video:

Thousands of fans turned out to support third annual Roots Picnic yesterday (June 5th) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A number of top acts performed in support of The Roots’ annual, all-day festival, including The Roots, John Legend, Wu-Tang Clan, Jay Electronica, Money Making Jam Boys, Nneka, Vampire Weekend, Peedi Crakk and others. Here’s a quick recap of The Roots’ annual picnic. A variety of artists performed, including Res. That was interesting, because she tweeted Questlove about wanting to perform and he replied that they booked the concert a year in advance. Nneka looked very into her performance. She’s so pretty it was hard to turn away from her while she was singing. One of her last songs was titled “Heartbeat”??? It’s rumored that Nas is going to spit a verse on it. Rumor or fact? Dunno…. The Money Making Jam Boys consists of Dice Raw, Black Thought, P### and Truck North. They rocked the crowd with the assistance of Peedi Crakk. Jay Electronica rocked the crowd with some beats courtesy of J. Dilla. He also did his original tracks and ended each song with an acapella. Jay Electronica got the crowdy hype and he went it..literally. Jazzy Jeff Djing & Questlove on the drums. This was a dope set. More old school hip hop and they showed all the youngins their favorite songs really are sampled from older songs. Jazzy went in! The Roots, didn’t do that many originals well at least not the ones I thought they would. Black Thought was good. Their live band was killer, which included a guy walking around the stage getting down with a tuba. The Roots brought out John Legend, who is featured on their new album How I Got Over. He did a few original tunes too. The Roots and Method Man, Raekwon and Ghostface – Killer set. Hearing The Roots play the Wu-Tang’s original tracks was nothing short of amazing. The highlight of the show was when Method Man jumped in the crowd. He was literally trying to stand on two people’s hands like a cheerleader and almost lost his life. Ghostface gave a moving, humorous tribute to the Philadelphia sports teams, including The Flyers, who are playing in this year’s Stanley Cup. The Clipse – Their performance was mad delayed and their sound wasn’t on point. Pusha’s mic was all off. They did a few jams especially my favorites from Hell Hath No Fury, like “Keys Open Doors” and “Ride Around Shining.” People were were definitely messing with it. But before their last song, Vampire Weekend started on the main stage. Wo it was a battle and The Clipse got a little mad. Vampire Weekend – I love his voice. Was a big fan before, so it’s nice to hear they sound the same live. The Very Best, with radioclit and Esau Mwaya came out and did Electro and Afropop. They had fly dancers, and the crowd was jammin despite not knowing the words. Seriously NO one knew what they were saying, but everyone was so with it! My favorite is their song “Julia Julia” which they just did a video for a few weeks ago.   Mayer Hawthorne from Detroit, came out with a big band (full suits) and did a swing twist on songs and original s**t. The crowd couldn’t stop the music from taking over their limbs and it was also a good twist in the lineup, because the crowd was diverse so the older heads got to dance in a way that didn’t include pelvic thrust or jumping up and down. video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player

    From Illmatic and Doggystyle to Get Rich or Die Trying and College Dropout, the classic debut has become somewhat of a prerequisite for a new artist aspiring for greatness. While there are certainly exceptions, the majority of hip hop’s premier acts made sterling first impressions. As if crafting a timeless LP wasn’t challenging enough, Toronto’s own 23 year-old wunderkind Drake, has a whole other set of standards to live up to. While what Nas, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent and Kanye West accomplished was unquestionably extraordinary, none of them did it with a critically acclaimed mixtape, two Grammy nominations, a year of Billboard chart domination and all of the pressures that come with these accolades weighing on them. With appearances and production from the highest echelon of rap and r&b stars in tow, Drake attempts to meet the expectations that tower over him with his official debut album, Thank Me Later. The album begins with the warm ivories of the Alicia Keys-featured “Fireworks.” Though somber for an introduction, “Fireworks” picks up right where So Far Gone’s “The Calm” left off, with a snapshot of Drake’s current mindset. “Money just changed everything. I wonder how life without it would go/ from the concrete, who knew that a flower would grow/looking down from the top and its crowded below/ my 15 minutes started and hour ago.” Proclaims a clear-headed Drizzy. His signature introspective musings continue on album stand-out “The Resistance,” where he details his troubles maintaining relationships with people who he doesn’t see as frequently as he once did and whom he promised he would ‘never change.’ While in-house producer 40 is responsible for several of the album’s highlights, the trunk-rattling double-time drums of the Kanye West-produced “Show Me a Good Time” is a welcome departure from the album’s peaceful and reflective beginnings; as is the variation of Drake’s delivery, which can become a little monotonous on other offerings. As the album progresses, Heartbreak Drake goes toe-to-toe with musical titans including Jay-Z, T.I., Young Jeezy, The Dream and of course Lil’ Wayne. While most artists run the risk of losing their identity on such a feature-heavy project, Drake not only holds his own but is in most cases the driving force behind these collaborations, forcing the featured artist to adapt to his sound, a theme carried over from So Far Gone. The album is not without its flaws, but finding them requires a keen ear. Sure Swizz Beatz’ chorus on “Fancy” is a little bit annoying, Timbaland’s production on “Thank Me Now” is somewhat underwhelming and the straightforward r&b offerings don’t quite stack up to those on So Far Gone, but despite these minor hiccups there are no true ‘lows’ to be found on Thank Me Later. Unlike many debut albums from potential future legends, this is not listeners’ first time hearing a full-length collection of songs from Drizzy. This subtracts from the surprise factor and handicaps Drake somewhat as people are already familiar with his signature sound. It is impossible to listen to Thank Me Later without comparing it to Drake’s genre-altering 2009 mixtape So Far Gone. But Drake knows that and rather then competing against his brilliant achievements he chooses to expand on them by creating the perfect companion LP. Thanks. With all the talk, opinions of Drake’s album, do you agree with this assessment of the album? QuestionsView Results

Poe Boy’s latest release 36 Reasons Reloaded comes from New Rochelle, New York native Billy Blue. Billy Blue is signed to Interscope through a joint venture between Poe Boy, Akon’s Konvict Music and Timbaland’s Mosely Music Group. Billy Blue spent a few years in juvie as a result of a tough lifestyle. He ended up living in Haiti with a few relatives for a time and finally, ended up in Miami. After earning a high school diploma and trying college, Billy Blue ended up in a local Miami recording studio and started his career. His first record “Ball Like a Dog” garnered the attention of Miami powerhouse, Poe Boy Records. “I received 2 calls in the same week,” says Blue. “I met with both companies and really clicked with Poe Boy Entertainment. I decided to sign with them almost immediately.” “What sets me apart from everyone in this game is my life experiences. I have been through so many crazy struggles and I rap about things I know – things I have been through. I am another normal person from the streets, rap was NOT my life – it was not something that I was destined to do, it is something that saved me from this messed up life that I have lived,” Billy Blue stated. “I have regrets but I was trying to survive, I am thankful that I do not have to live that life anymore and I promise to give back once I make it.”Download Billy Blue’s 36 Reasons Reloaded: HD Here

ChartWatch for June 2, 2010The summer started to heat a few weeks ago with some big albums dropping from artists like Nas and Talib Kweli.  I know album sales are as low as they have ever been but (and yes I appreciate the irony when I say this in a column titled “ChartWatch”) it’s not always about sales.  It’s good to see some quality Hip Hop being put out to the masses.  A lot of good albums have come out in the last few months so I’ll say it once again…if you can’t find any good Hip Hop, you’re just not looking. First up on the charts this week is Usher who jumps from the 8th spot to number five.  With his latest successful number 1 single “OMG”, Usher sells another 34,885 copies of Raymond vs Raymond. While Usher holds the number five position the duo that held that spot last week drop five spots to number ten.  Nas and Damian Marley sell 23,640 copies of their critically praised album Distant Relatives.  B.O.B hovers around the same position claiming the 17th spot this week and selling 19,536 copies of his latest major release The Adventures of Bobby Ray. He is followed by a group whose leader helped Usher gain his latest number one hit.  The Black Eyed Peas drop two spots to number 21 selling 16,722 copies of their latest, The E.N.D.  Will.I.Am has made some type of deal with the otherworld.  Is he good? Is he evil? I don’t know.  What I do know is that he can put almost any noise on a record and 20,000 people will go buy it.  Twenty thousand people…every week….for a year. He was at the number 30 spot last week.  He was at the number 30 spot the week before that.  He’s at the number 30 spot this week.  Ludacris maintains his position by selling 11,506 of his 7th studio album Battle of the Sexes. Finally, Lil Wayne sells 8,187 copies of his “rock” experiment, Rebirth, and claims the 49th spot. Dropping This Week I don’t have a lot of information on it but Yukmouth releases his sixth studio album entitled Free at Last.  The album features guest appearances from Curren$y, Dru Down, Mistah F.A.B, Messy Marv, and C-Bo to name a few.  Fans of Yukmouth and Smoke-A-Lot records should take a look at this one. Have you ever thought “I like Bow Wow…but I just wish someone would compile all of his hits on one disc”?  No? Me either.  Bow Wow releases Playlist: The Very Best of Bow Wow this week containing such hits as “Puppy Love” and “Fresh Az I’m Iz”.  In his defense, the way record companies operate, Bow Wow probably has nothing to do with this album…but if you’re a fan….maybe you’ll buy a copy. What can I say? When a Bow Wow playlist compilation album makes it into “Dropping” then you know it must be a slow week.  We’ll be back next week with the charts and (hopefully) some more albums.

Gucci Mane is working with Sean “The Pen” Garrett on a series of upcoming mixtapes and albums. They debuted the first single “She Geeked” off of The Inkwell, this past weekend at Bicentennial Park. In addition to Gucci Mane, the mixtape features Yung Money’s Tyga Tyga. Garrett and Gucci last hit big with the single “Break Up” which also featured Mario. Check out some pictures and videos of Gucci and Sean “The Pen” Garrett performing together.

The general of Slaughterhouse is here with the latest in the Bar Exam series. He’s passed the “bar” every time, Royce Da 5’ 9” keeps raising the stakes for the competition. Bun B, Joe Budden, Crooked I, Marvon, Black Milk and others pop up. There’s even a presumed diss to Saigon. Download the latest Whoo Kid-hosted street album now! TRACK LISTING    01 Intro    02 The Most Interesting Man    03 Go Hard pt.1 f. Kid Vishis    04 On Fire f. Crooked I    05 Skit    06 Real Hip Hop f. Black Milk & Elzhie    07 A capella    08 It’s Over    09 Nobody F###### With Us f. Bun B, Crooked I & Joe Budden    10 Airplanes    11 Skit 2    12 Beamer, Benz Or Bentley (Shady Mega Mix)    13 I Hate Your Pants    14 Forever    15 In the Club    16 Skit 3    17 Go Hard pt.2 f. Kid Vishis    18 Vagin    19 Psycho (Skit)    20 Psycho    21 Drama f. Trick Trick & Junes Flow    22 I’m Not Slaughterhouse (Interview)    23 187 (Saigon Diss)    24 Skit 4    25 Taxi Driver    26 Iceman (Skit)    27 Lyrical Hitman f. MarvWon    28 Skit 5    29 Spark Yo Brain

Track Listing : 1. Searchin For 2. Alphabet Soup 3. Ms. Sincere 4. Big Beat 5. Wallys & Pringles (P###. The Alchemist) 6. Lizz 7. Traphouse 8. City Of God 9. Shake 10. Keep On Feat. Selasi 11. Slow Down Feat. N.O.R.E. 12. Just 4 Laughs 13. Disposable Gunz 14. Calligraphy 15. Pullin’ Teeth Feat. Tommy Nova 16. Road To Riches Feat. Mobb Deep (P###. Th Alchemist) 17. Dragon Style 18. Do It In The Park 19. P### In The Shark Tank 20. Sunset Strip Feat. Mean Doe Green Download: Raekwon – Cocainism Vol. 2 Warning Mixtape

T.I.’s sounding very hungry with his new….street album, F**k A Mixtape. Check it out and then download. [Download] 1. Jamie Foxx – Intro 2. Welcome Back To The Trap (P###. By Smash Factory) 3. Spazz Out (P###. By Swizz Beatz) 4. Whatcha Saying Tip (P###. By Chuck Diesel) 5. Yeah Feat. Lil Wayne (P###. By Lil C) 6. Yeah Ya Know (P###. By DJ Toomp& Lil C) 7. Once Upon A Time 8. Here We Go Again (P###. By Timberland) 9. Get Yo Girl Feat. Rich Kid Rashad (P###. By Jim Jonsin) 10. Like So (P###. By Lil C) 11. Gettin Paid (P###. By Track Slayers) 12. Lil Duval – F### A Mixtape N####! 13. Really Livin Like That (P###. By DJ Toomp) 14. Whether You Like It Or Not (P###. By Amadeus) 15. Jamie Foxx – Shooting Range 16. No Competition Feat. Young Jeezy (P###. By Black Mob) 17. B#### Who Feat. Macboney (P###. By Lil C) 18. Ready Set Go Feat. Killer Mike (P###. By No I.D.) 19. Kevin Hart – F### A Mixtape 20. Outro 21. Celebration (P###. By J-Rock) 22. Got Your Back Feat. Keri Hilson (P###. By DJ Toomp)

Rick Ross has finally released The Albert Anastasia EP to fans. The 13-track EP features production by Lex Lugar, DJ Clark Kent, The Remedy, The Runners, Infamous and L-Don. The free release is filled with guest appearances, including Birdman, Trey Songz, John Legend, Triple C’s, Style’s P. and the highly anticipated collaboration between Rick Ross and Kool G. Rap. Download link and artwork is below: http://www.zshare.net/download/765798488e4bbbfe/The Albert Anastasia EP01. Diddy Intro (Produced by Infamous)02. MC Hammer (Produced by Lex Luger)03. Blowin Money Fast (B.M.F.) (feat Styles P) (Produced by Lex Luger)04. Money Maker (Produced by Boi-1da)05. Gotti Family (feat. Yo Gotti)06. Fire Hazard (Produced by The Runners)07. All I Need (feat. Birdman & Trey Songz)08. Sweet Life (feat. John Legend) (Produced by John Legend)09. Super High (feat. Ne-Yo) (Produced by DJ Clark Kent & The Remedy)10. Knife Fight (feat. Kool G Rap)11. White Sand Part 2 (feat. Triple C’s)12. 300 Soldiers (Produced by L-Don)13. Nasty (feat. Masspike Miles) *Bonus*

ChartWatch for May 26, 2010 There aren’t a lot of new albums coming out this week but we do have a few Hip Hop artists entering the top fifty.  We lead off the charts this week with two influential artists in the worlds of Hip Hop and Reggae.  Nas and Damian Marley lead the countdown with their highly anticipated album Distant Relatives.  The duo sold 55,084 copies and now claims the number five spot. They are followed by Usher whose latest album, Raymond Vs. Raymond, has sold another 41,264 and takes the number eight spot.  Is it just me or has every song on this album been released as a single?  I mean, I know it’s not that bad…but that’s a lot of singles, right? B.o.B still holds strong at number fourteen with his debut album The Adventures of Bobby Ray.  This week the Atlanta MC sells 22,315 copies. Nas and Damian Marley weren’t the only duo that dropped an album last week.   Brooklyn wordsmith and Cincinnati producer, Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek, also released Revolutions Per Minute roughly a decade after their classic debut Train of Thought.  This week the two artists, better known as Reflections Eternal, sell 19,080 copies and rest at the number 19 position. Next up is another artist entering the charts for the first time this week.  Janelle Monae, the eclectic singer known recently for her working with Outkast’s Big Boi and P. Diddy, releases her latest album The ArchAndroid.  Janelle sells 17,751 copies and claims the 21st spot. Then we have a group that is all too familiar with being on the charts.  The Black Eyed Peas continue to sell units of the hit album The E.N.D moving 17,399 copies and claiming the 23rd spot. He was at the number 30 spot last week.  He is at the number 30 spot this week.  Ludacris holds strong and sells 12,797 copies of his latest album, Battle of the Sexes. Finally, Lil Wayne moves another 8,907 copies of his rock album, The Rebirth, but drop a few positions to take the 47th spot. Shoulda Been This is usually where we talk about the album that dropped last week, should have made it on the charts, but just didn’t.  There isn’t too much to say because the two albums that definitely should have moved units sold (relatively) decently.  Congratulations to Nas, Damian Marley, Talib Kweli, and Hi-Tek and hopefully there isn’t a huge drop off next week. Dropping This Week The only thing I have for you this week is a compilation of Common’s greatest hits entitled Go!: Common Clasics.  Now if you’ve ever read this column then you know how I feel about compilations and greatest-hits albums.  If you’ve never experienced the artist (and just want to grab some quick singles) then pick one up, but you’re probably better off just picking one of the better albums out of the artist’s catalogue.  This compilation does have the classic Westside Connection diss “The B#### in Yoo” but it hardly gives you a glimpse into Common’s body of work.  Where is the introspective duet “Retrospect for Life” where Common grapples with whether or not to have his unborn child aborted while Lauryn Hill provides the melodic backdrop?  Where is the Bilal assisted “The 6th Sense?”  And even though this album doesn’t get the respect it deserves, where are any songs from the eclectic Electric Circus?  (You may hate the album but “Aquarius” was a hard hitting track).  If you want to listen to Common then go pick up Be or any one of Common’s eight other albums.  (Actually, you may want to start with Be and any albums before it.  You know, before Common met movies, one of the Williams girls, and Gap sweaters.) That’s it for the charts this week.  See you next week.

Looking for some Max B music? Well  has just released Amalgam Digital Series Vol 1: Prelude To Vigilante Season MAX B & YOUNG RIOT – “A Wave Called Yes.” This mixtape will serve as a prelude to Max B’s highly anticipated debut album Vigilante Season on Amalgam Digital. A Wave Called Yes’ first single Young Riot’s “So Wavy,” (Produced by DJ Next) pays homage to Riot’s studio mentor Max BThis mixtape has features from Curren$y, French Montana, Dame Grease, Young Los, Whitey, Dj Next & Dj Si. It’s here and it’s FREE. Download it now and enjoy! Track 01:  Intro (Goodbye Expectations) Track 02:  Amalgam Money (Dj Next Remix) Track 03:  Living The Life ft Curren$y Track 04:  Why Oh Why Track 05:  Everybody Get High (Leaked from Young Riot’s “Glory Ave”) Track 06:  Model of Entropy (Leaked from Max B’s “Vigilante Season”) Track 07:  Tool In The T#### Track 08:  Burn An Ounce ft Curren$y (Original Version) Track 09:  So Wavy Track 10:  Turn You On Track 11:  F### With A Hustler Track 12:  Assassination Track 13:  Massacre Track 14:  Off My Chest Track 15:  Ride On My Spaceship Track 16:  Newbury Yes Track 17:  Paper Track 18:  Show You Tell Track 19:  Interlude ft French Montana (Nobody Better Than Max) Track 20:  Tattoos on Her Ass (Leaked from Max B’s “Vigilante Season”) Track 21:  Married To The Game (Wavy Meets Yes) Track 22:  Lonely  

T.I. isn’t taking any prisoners on “Takers.” This goes hard. Listen up, competition.

What do you think of Drake & Jeezy’s new song? Listen below to the CDQ version of “Unforgettable.” [Download]

ChartWatch for May 19, 2010 There isn’t a big change in the charts this week (well there’s one…but we’ll talk about Trina later) but there are some big albums coming out.  Let’s get the charts out of the way first.  There isn’t any Hip Hop in the top ten this week and, once again, the top artist is B.o.B.  His debut album, The Adventures of Bobby Ray, experienced a big drop last week but this week the Atlanta rapper stays in relatively the same spot holding at number 13 and selling 26,952 copies.  To date B.o.B has sold 145,708 copies. Call me psychic because I called it last week, but it looks like The Black Eyed Peas are moving back up the charts.  This week The E.N.D moves up eight spots to number twenty and sells 18,493 copies.  That album is forged by some kind of black magic…or the Illuminati.  (I just want to see if another Illuminati expert is going to comment again.  I think they are giving away degrees in Illuminati studies at the Devry or Phoenix online which explains the rise in Illuminati accusations in the rap community.) Ludacris climbs up three spots to number 30 with his latest album Battle of the Sexes.  This week entrepreneur sells 13,942 copies. Somehow…someway….Lil Wayne managed to claw his way back onto the charts with his “rock” experiment Rebirth.  His album wasn’t on the charts last week but this week the New Orleans MC sells 10,496 copies and takes the number 44 spot. The biggest change on the charts this week is Miami rapper Trina’s latest album Amazin’.  The album falls 36 spots this week, from 13 to 49, and sells 9,248 copies.  That’s a pretty significant drop so Trina fans might want to go out and hit up a store or something.  (Let’s be real…this won’t be on the countdown next week but hopefully some of the music dropping this week might.) Dropping This Week It looks like the wait is over for Hip Hop fans expecting some decent albums this summer.  First up is a big album that almost looked like it wasn’t going to happen.  After a few pushbacks, Nas and Damian Marley release their already well received album Distant Relatives.  The album features K’Naan, Stephen Marley, Dennis Brown, Joss Stone, and Lil Wayne.  This very site has already given the album a 10 out of 10, and while some may think it a little much to call this a perfect album, this is definitely worth a listen for any Hip Hop fan. Next up is another duo that dropped a classic album a little over a decade ago.  Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek released Train Of Thought under the moniker Reflection Eternal back in 2000 and fans have been waiting for them to release another album ever since.  This week the duo drops Revolutions Per Minute featuring Res (you got to love Res), Bun B, Estelle, Chester French, Bilal, Jay Electronica, Mos Def, and J. Cole.  This one is another album that’s already getting favorable reviews so if you have been waiting to pick up some good music, now’s your chance. Madlib is still at it and the producer has been dropping an album a month in his Medicine Show series.  This month the California “beat konducta” releases Medicine Show No. 5 History of the Loop Digga: 1990-2000.  This album showcases previously unreleased material from the producer during the early 90’s.  The series has been pretty good so far so you may want to give it a listen. Madlib also joins up with Detroit MC Guilty Simpson to provide the sonic backdrop for his latest album, OJ Simpson.  The album features Frank N Dank and Strong Arm Steady along with complete production by Madlib.  These two artists work well together so this album should not disappoint. Next up is Necro who is releasing his sixth studio album, Die!, his latest entry in the genre of death rap.  I don’t know too much about death rap (and according to a commenter last week I am already playing with the forces of evil by making light of the illuminati) so I’m going to leave this one alone.  If you’re a fan I’m sure you already knew this was coming out.  There are no features on this album so this is pure Necro, unfiltered and uncut.  Pick it up. I don’t have too much information on this next album but Oakland rapper Keak Da Sneak is releasing his 15th album since his 1999 debut Sneakacydal.  The new album, Mobb Boss, is produced by Big Hollis and that’s really all I have on it.  If you’re a fan let me know how it is. Have you ever been sitting around and thought “I want to hear the live version of Same Song by The Digital Underground?”  Yeah, me neither…but for those of you that do The Digital Underground is releasing The Greenlight EP which contains unreleased music and a live version of the song which introduced Tupac to the mainstream. Finally, Bizarre (the big guy from D-12) drops his third album, Friday Night at St. Andrews.  The Detroit MC says that, unlike his last two albums which showcased his humor, this album will showcase his lyrical skills.  That’s right…he waited until he was three albums deep to show you he can rap.  We’ll see about this one.  If you’re a fan pick it up. We had quite a few albums dropping this week.  I sure at least one of them will make it onto next week’s ChartWatch.  See you next week.