Ride Pimper Vs. Street's Disciple

The new Nas joint is tight, but contains about a dozen too many tracks to be a classic. Xzibit's new disc is mediocre at best and is sort of like watching a day-long "Pimp My Ride" Marathon on MTV.

For the detailed explanation, here's the double review.

This brings me to some random thoughts on MTV:

1) How many times can you trick out someone's trunk?
2) Will people really buy Pimp My Ride custom car mats?
3) I don't understand what the f*ck they are talking about on Laguna Beach. Believe me, I've tried.
4) Ditto for Viva La Bam. The show makes me yearn for Jackass.

Best of 04

Since the blogosphere is beginning to weigh in on the best records of the past year, I thought i'd give you mine and make some predictions.

My Top 10:

Kanye West "College Dropout" (Roc-A-Fella)
Immortal Technique "Revolutionary vol. 2" (Viper)*
De La Soul "The Grind Date" (Sanctuary)
DJ Danger Mouse "The Grey Album" (White Label)
Ghostface "The Pretty Tony Album" (Def Jam)
Alicia Keys "Diary of Alicia Keys" (J)*
Prozack Turner "Death, Taxes & Prozack" (Outofwork)
Franz Ferdinand "Franz Ferdinand" (Sony)
Alchemist "1st Infantry" (Koch)
Murs "Murs 3:16" (Definitive Jux)

*Out in '03, impacted in '04

My Pazz & Jop predictions (after checking O-Dub's blog for inspiration):

Kanye West will top the poll.
I will not have heard at least half of the top 10 records. (possibly more)
Immortal Technique won't make the cut. Not because he's not one of the top thought provoking MCs in the game, but because not enough folks have heard the album.
Madvillany & The Grey Album will make the list. As will Elliot Smith, The Streets and Sonic Youth.

What are your picks??

Quas's Homage

Looks like Quasimoto is digging classic rap jams. Madlib's helium infused alter ego remade Biz Markie's "Picking Boogers" into "Hittin' Hooks" in '99 and now comes up with a hilarious take on Skillz's "The Nod Factor." His version delves into lady loving, of course, and "The Broad Factor" is a slammin' preview of another Quas full length, due in '05.

Speaking of Skillz, looks like he's elected NOT to conjure up another year end rap up for '04. It'd be "too easy" for him, according to his Okayplayer post.

Damn.

Grammy Gripes

Grammy nods were announced today.

Checking the nominees, a few things become apparent.

Album of the year nods are comprised of these categories:
Artist(s)
Album Producer(s)
Recording Engineer(s)/Mixer(s)
Mastering Engineer(s)

Kanye West's nomination gets 2 credits. Mr. College Dropout and Eddy Schreyer (recording engineer/mixer/mastering engineer).

Usher's nomination includes about 10 zillion folks. Makes Kanye's solo production credit for his album even more spectacular. Even better, he nabbed 10 nominations to lead the pack!

Teena Marie actually got a nod in a category with Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, Angie Stone & Janet Jackson. From her disc on Cash Money Records, no less. (Insert bird call here.)

The Black Eyed Peas got a nod for "Let's Get It Started." I'm laughing out loud about how this incredibly bland tune that originally appeared as "Let's Get Retarded" is getting so much play. Guess Fergie is having a bit of an effect on this act. Add to this that the NBA actually commisioned this track, you've got even more of a joke. Wonder if Mr. Artest was listening to this track before the basketbrawl game a little while back. Blame it on hip-hop, they say. Maybe they'll blame it on the Peas too.