Love of the Leak

It's damn near Summer, and as we all know "It's the most wonderful time, of the year" (at least for music any way). All the hot summer anthems flood the radio...er, MySpace pages. Your artist's new videos are put in heavy rotation on the music video channels (actually I mean the YouTubes, Hulus, Vevos and artist's websites). And all the albums we've been waiting for all winter finally hit the record stores...or really are put up on iTunes for fans to cherry pick through. Ok yes, the way we enjoy our summer music has changed (no I'm not bitter, ok maybe just a little) but nevertheless it's still a great time to be a music fan.

But my favorite change in the way we get our heads up on music is the "unofficial leak". You know, when a song comes out either online or some late night radio show, and the artist comes out publicly to say that they didn't ok it's release but other then the initial statement they never REALLY try to find out how it got out (assuming it actually is wel received, if it tanks then they're ready to sue every 16 year old with a computer and internet access). In any case we've already seen some great leaks and early releases alone this week, here are some of my favorites:

Drake released his newest "single" of the often delayed "Thank Me Later" (this title is getting more and more brilliant, cuz with all the delays and release push backs we might not be thanking him sooner than 2011 - thank you I'll be here all week). In any case "Light Up" feature's Jay-Z and has the latest and greatest in hip-hop going back and forth, Drake talking about the trials of his "come up" and Jay tryin to let him know what's yet to come. In any case it appears that Hov's appearance forces Drizzy to step his game up unlike any other Drake lyrical co-star has yet to do. If this is what "Thank Me Later" is really going to sound like Drake really might have some "Thank You's" coming sooner (at least from me anyway).

The self-proclaimed master of "uncorny pop", Mike Posner, has finally released his first official single on J Records. The man who once had his following fiening for the perfect "Drug Dealer Girl" recently released his single and video for "Cooler Than Me" for his debut. This electric dance anthem doesn't stray too far from this mix tape hits that made him a well known name amongst college kids over the last couple years. With features with the likes of Kid Cudi, Big Sean and Wale already in his back pocket, Poser's debut might be dope enough to make me if not forget, at least overlook the face that he went to Duke, and if that happens, shit...look out JT, you might wanna get back in the studio real quick.

Lastly, we've got "Mr. I Don't Mean To Interupt" that's right - Kanye West. His new release "Power" is speculated to be the first single from his highly anticipated 4th album in the College Dropout started series "Good Ass Job". "Power" sounds just like a pre-crazy (actually still crazy just not "drunk as hell on MTV" crazy) record full of heavy drums intertwined with smooth soulful samples. In any case, Mr. West shows how you SHOULD come back after a major social fuck up (Chris Brown we're ALL looking at you). Take a few months off, stay as far away from the spotlight, and when the world has damn near forgotten your name drop something so undeniably hot that the only negative the public remembers you doing is dating Amber Rose (seriously 'Ye, her fades damn near better than yours). In any case, had other "urban pop stars" followed this rule maybe him singing the national anthem at a boxing match wouldn't further make him and his career a laughing stock.

Long story short, I know there are tons of other leaks and debut's that have come out recently the likes of Vampire Weekend, Curren$y, Big Sean, Ne-Yo and even The Roots have tipped their hands with regards to their new music. But if this is what we've got coming to us, then regardless of how you choose to pick up your tunes, bogus leaks, legal downloads or even (gasp) archaic physical album puchases (I know crazy that someone would actually leave their computer for their music) - then this is gonna be one hell of a summer.

Peace Up, Peace Out.

Golden Gods: The Higher Concept (THC)

As I said in my last post, I'm happy to see and more importantly hear, that the glitz and glamour of hip-hop is starting to give way to not just a general consciousness but a return to lyrical content taking the pole position over just a "hot beat". Just as I said artists like B.o.B., Kid Cudi, Travie McCoy and Lupe Fiasco are working on taking over the charts, the alternative hip-hop soldiers are still carrying the banner strongly below the radar of mainstream radio and video.

In this post I want to introduce you to Staten Island's own The Higher Concept. Now I know what some of you may be thinking "Wait, three white guys from New York, making conscious rap. Wow, thats great cause we didn't have enough Beastie Boy try-to-be's already" to which I say "that's just racist sir/ma'am, and you should be ashamed of yourself". Tekst (stop stumbling over the "kst" it sounds like TEXT), Matty J & IB Profyn immediately put a stop to what ever Eminem "white rapper" joke you might want to make, though there are certainly some similarities between the group and the Grammy award winner. Like the 8 Mile MC, they carry the same word play capability and intelligent lyrical design, but maybe more importantly than that, their content carries the purity, honesty and weight that would assumed to be reserved for the likes hip-hop Mt. Rushmore nominees of De La Soul, KRS-One or A Tribe Called Quest.

The flows of the 3 MC's vary as greatly as their looks, creating this call and response between their verses, the likes of which I haven't heard since Jurassic 5; and this is just part of what makes them and their music so distinct. Through a mutual friend I had the pleasure to watch these boys perform live as they opened for another friend's band and damn near broke my ankles jumping on the THC bandwagon. Their energy and enthusiasm to perform is immediately felt by their crowd which of course just gets them even more amp'd. It's like their use their audience as their own personal hype men (and women, to be fair). The Higher Concept looks to show the world at large that the Wu Tang Clan isn't the only contribution Staten Island has to make to the history of hip-hop, and with them having opened for acts like Kid Cudi and Grammy nominated hip-hop duo LMFAO it won't be much longer till they succeed. If this is where my favorite genre of music is working toward, then the title of their recently released newest album couldn't be any truer, "Life's Good".

Peace Up, Peace Out

The Higher Concept:
Tekst
Matty J
IB Profyn
website: www.thehigherconcept.com

Death From Below: The Rise & Conquer of Alternative Hip-Hop

As defined by Allmusic.com, Alternative Hip-Hop is, "Hip-Hop groups that refuse to conform to any of the traditional stereotypes of rap, such as gangsta, bass, hardcore, and party rap. Instead, they blur genres - drawing equally from funk and rock, as well as jazz, soul, reggae, and even folk". Ain't that quaint? I'm not writing this to give some long lecture about the history of underground hip-hop (not this time anyway) but just to point out a trend I've happily noticed and quite enjoy. I think it's official, alternative hip-hop has officially taken over hardcore/gangsta rap as the culture's sound of choice; and IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME!!!

Look, I'm 5'8, skinny and grew up in the suburbs of Bergen County, New Jersey. While I may have worn sagging baggy jeans, Tim's, oversized jerseys and (to this day still) rock ALL my hats with a slight lean, there hasn't been a hardcore or gangsta bone in my body. I'm a smooth brotha, a bit of an artistic nerd so to speak, but still a proud member of the Hip-Hop Culture. For far too long has my love for 50's blues, 60's soul, & 70's classic rock, 80's hair metal and pop, and 90's alt. rock been viewed as laughable and corny in comparison to just listening to the mainstream hip-hop of the past two decades. I mean is it wrong to to know all the words to "Juicy" and "Elanor Rigby"? Can I not get looked at like I suffer from multiple personality disorder when my iPod shuffles from DMX to DMB? That's all I'm lookin' for.

I'm not saying that "self-snitching" (yep, that's what I call drug/gangsta rap now - think about it) doesn't still sell in the hundreds of thousands (rarely does anything sell in the millions anymore, thanks Steve Jobs!). We still have guys like Jeezy and the Bawss Ricky Rawss, but the number of outlandish iced out chains (for those out of the loop "iced out" = lots of diamonds, welcome to the loop), and jeans 8 sizes too big are slowly giving way more and more to fitted jeans and brightly colored shirts, jackets and sneakers made by designers from Japan we won't hear about for another 5 years. But more importantly than alternative hip-hop taking over the look of the mainstream, it's taking over the sound as well.

Artists like N.E.R.D, Kid Cudi, Lupe Fiasco, B.o.B. and Kanye fuse elements of funk, jazz, rock and classic soul into their music, picking up the torch and moving forward from where their predecessors such as De La Soul, The Pharcyde and A Tribe Called Quest had been walled in by major record labels and mainstream media. Breaking through the ceiling that once held their brand of the culture in the bassmeant {see what I did there ;)} with music critics, college kids and hip-hop's hippies. These new princes & princesses of rhyme are going far beyond using the standard issue kick and bass beats as the canvases for their musical masterpieces. Artists like The Knux fusing alternative metal or Wale blending in DC go-go music to create their signature sound show that hip-hop isn't meant to all sound like it came from one or two places. Even Dem Franchise Boys do their part (however small it may be) by bringing the ATL snap sound into the forefront.

But it's not just the new young pups that are running in this pack of progression. Alternative Hip-Hop O.G.'s (Out-Of-Loopers, Original Gangsters. Yes I know this may sound hypocritical in language but just go with it) are looking to re-make their mark in the movement. Common (formerly Common Sense) was just another struggling rapper from Chicago trying to show that lyricism and social conscience had a valid place in the "Straight Outta Compton" hip-hop America. Now he's got multi-platinum albums to his credit and stars in really bad romantic comedies with other hip-hop legends. The Roots, a guaranteed head on the Alt. Hip-Hop Mt. Rushmore, have gone from stringing moderately successful mainstream singles from album to album to now being the house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (don't count the host against'em, it's a hell of a gig). Hell even the "King of New York" Jay-Z keeps himself rel event by making himself more alternative. He creates a hip-hop concept album (American Gangster) a feat never thought possible in hip-hop, on last years "Blueprint 3" he stepped out of the conventional comfort zone to work with artists/producers like MGMT and Mr. Hudson, and in regards to his next release he's already come out and said:
"... it's not gonna be a #1 album. That's where I'm at right now. I wanna make the most experimental album I ever made."
We've even gotten our alternative little fingers in other genres with acts like LMFAO taking over electronica/dance with their Grammy nominated album "Party Rock" and of course the progressive culturally influenced hip-pop record from M.I.A. that gave us the hit "Paper Planes"

Just as the party rap of the genre's inception gave way to rhymes with a message by the likes Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five or Public Enemy, which gave way to gangsta rap of Tupac, the Circle Of Rhyme continues to spin. We have now reached a time where hip-hop is this new fresh blending of styles and sounds breaking away completely from what was; into what can be. So my non-gangsta brothers and sisters let us pick up our arms, or better yet Ghetto Blaster. Feel free to enjoy your Eminem and your Elvis Costello in peace and harmony. No longer shall we be nervous to create a party mix with Huey Lewis & The News, Grizzly Bear, and Method Man. Go forth and wear tight jeans (just not hipster tight, that shit still ain't cool), high top sneakers with color combinations that no one ever thought possible, hell even go get a high top fade with a couple parts in the side, apparently even those are coming back. OutKast's "Speakerboxx/The Love Below" being the best selling rap album EVER (11+ million copies) and Kanye's "Graduation" first week ass whoopin' of 50 Cent's "Curtis" have made one thing clear, OUR TIME HAS COME!!!


Peace Up, Peace Out

The Yin & Yang of Auto-Pop

Last week I was listening to "Freeze" by T-Pain, mid-way through the song I realized I was singing the lyrics to Ke$ha's "Tik Tok". Now you may be saying to yourself right now "Ken, how'd you know the words to 'Tik Tok' without having the actual song on as a guideline?" - to which I respond, fuck you. Don't judge me, that song is catchy as hell.

It wasn't so much that the two songs were able to match up, we've all done that from time to time. Tempo, rhythm patterns, chord structures; music is practically a set of finite math equations (just go with it), it's inevitable that patterns would match, and songs would synch up regardless. But the more and more I tried this between Ke$ha and T-Pain songs the easier and easier it got. It was with this that I realized something, T-Pain and Ke$ha...ARE THE SAME DAMN PERSON (duhn, duhn, duhn).

Ok obviously I don't mean that literally, she being a blonde white girl from Nashville/L.A.; him a "Nappy Boy" from Jacksonville, FL. But musically, they're total friggin' dopplegangers. The facts are staring us listeners face to (obnoxious sterosunglasses wearing, lazy semi-coked up "looking" eyes, glitter soaked) face. Both artists, for however popular their music may be, produce catchy yet forgetable pop songs. Yes I know that sounds like I'm being a walking - er, blogging contradiction but forgetable in this instance means longevity (I mean when was the last time you were out and heard "I'm In Love With A Stripper"). Both "singers" are a poor man's (with access to an expensive Pro Tools program) version of artists that paved the way (for whatever its worth) within 12-18 months of their own release.

For the self-proclaimed "Rappa Ternt Sanga" (yep, that was the name of T-Pain's debut album, SMDH), it was Akon who released his "Trouble" debut 18 months prior, introducing the R&B/Pop/Hip-Hop loving masses to auto-tune being more than a toy to clean up pitchy vocals, but as a full on artist creator. The "Bartending Stripper" lover, Pain, decided he'd step his game up a notch and with a few clicks of the mouse turned himself into this generation'a Zapp & Roger. (I hesitate to put that reference in there afraid that not many of you have any idea who in the blue hell that is. Normally I'd make some dickish music elitist comment, but since this blog is still pretty fresh and I could really use the support, I'll just say go wikipedia them). As for Ke$ha I think its pretty obvious that she's doing everything in her power to hold on tightly to the Gaga coat tails of pop friendly diva in training with a hint of crazy and a twinge of sexy, in a 3 AM you've been casually eye fucking one another off and on for over an hour, and while you're pretty sure you'll walk away from the experience with more than just a story to tell, you just gotta see if she's as big a freak as she looks, kinda way - she's hitting stronger on the bat-shit crazy scale than pop royalty in the making one. But again "Tik Tok" is REALLY FUCKING CATCHY.

In the end, the biggest reason these two fit side by side in the pop music universe is because they had the foresight to take what was meant to be a simple production tool and turn it into a gimic the likes of which we haven't seen since Kriss Kross and backwards pants. They've turned their vocals into a additional piece of the songs production helping to make it function even better as a singular entity. We forget about the lyrics ("...just zip your lip like a pad lock" again, SMDH), refuse to let our heads break down and over analyze and allow our hearts, feet and asses simply enjoy it for what it is.

Now as far as I can tell, the only place these two Hip-Pop&B powerhouses differ is in their staying power. While no one will ever confuse T-Pain for Stevie Wonder, the man has taken his auto-tuney goodness through hell fire and back, even surviving a movement against Robo-Hip-Hop led by President Carter himself, and continues to make radio friendly club bangers and guest spots on everyone's album that wants a little extra Johnny 5 alive on their hook (again, go wiki that shit, then go watch it, cuz its a classic - "Los Locos kick your ass, Los Locos kick your face, Los Locos kick your balls into OUT-TER-SPAAACE!!!) Sorry for the tangent, but um...back to the lecture at hand...Ke$ha has yet to prove that she can even stick around to see the Sophomore demise most artists in her position come across. But I can tell you this much, I know I'll probably be mixing up her lyrics with another T-Pain song should that second album ever see the light of day, cause damn that shits catchy as hell!

Peace Up, Peace Out

I Am A Golden God: Chiddy Bang

For my second installment in this fun little trek of artists you should know, I decided to be fair and not go with an act that I actually know (but don't think that the shameless self-promo won't be back). In a world, where a city begins to become known more for their drunken idiot sports fans who wonder why they get tased after running onto a baseball diamond; or puke on kids (and some how make it out the arena with getting their ass beat). And even are still remembered for BOOING SANTA CLAUS, Philly can thank this duo "Straight Outta Drexel" (ok not nearly as gangsta as Compton, but maybe as funny as Low Cash...?" for reminding us that Philly can still occasionally be referred to as Illadelphia.

Besides already receiving the co-sign of Philly's reigning hip-hop royalty, Black Thought and ?uestlove of The Roots, hip-hop's newest tag team, look to be the next members of Team Alt. Hip-Hop, joining acts like N.E.R.D, Lupe Fiasco, B.o.B. and Kanye West in working toward changing the soundtrack of the hip-hop culture and its members away from guns, girls, and grillz into something with a little more love, life and party (and of the 8th grade basement variety, not the make it rain at Club Booty Clab kind) behind it.

Chidera "Chiddy" Anamege - the rapper and Noah Beresin - the producer (aka Xaphoon Jones), met as music industry majors in Drexel University, and since have been trying to morph the rap industry the outside in. A throwback to old school hip-hop groups (think Erik B. & Rakim, GangStarr, or Grand Master Flash & The Furious Five - just minus four furious MCs). This new dynamic duo, stick to the greatest hip-hop formula a group can have, "Know your strengths" and "Stay in your lane"; with these in mind Chiddy Bang, fuse Chiddy's brilliant conceptual lyrics, using his ability to verbally paint portraits via high concept metaphors and well placed pop culture and social references (see quote at the top of the blog) over Noah's brilliant and seamless blending of radio friendly classic hip-hop bass and drum beats with samples thought to be well left of today's rap center (Radiohead, MGMT, Passion Pit & Grizzly Bear).

With hip-hop slowly but surely hitting its revolution to the past in regards to its fashion, one can only assume its music isn't far behind. And with acts like Lupe, Travie McCoy, B.o.B. and Wale getting more and more play on mainstream radio and video channels than some of their "gangsta" counterparts, believe me Chiddy Bang's official debut, to be released on EMI-Capitol some time later this year, is definitely something you'll be happy you can brag about already being up on for a minute.

Peace Up, Peace Out

Chiddy - MC
Noah - Producer
Myspace: www.myspace.com/chiddybang

The Roc Pack

"...I'm the new Sinatra, and since I made it here, I can make it anywhere. Yea they love me everywhere." Unless you've been hiding in a cave, on Mars, with Bose noise reducing headphones on, for the last six months, you should not only already know what song that's from; but you're probably a little pissed at me for putting Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" back in your head, after you'd finally gotten it out for the umpteenth time.

It's nothing new for a rapper to make some outrageous claim boasting how great he or his social status are not only in the rap game but in pop culture in general. And for the majority of rap's "superstars" their bombastic self horn-tooting is as fake as T-Pain's singing skills, Xzibit's street cred., and Heidi Montag's...everything, combined. But unlike the other's, Hov's claim as this generation's Frank Sinatra actually holds weight. Like "Ol' Blue Eyes", Jay has transcended music and pop culture to reach a level saved for a very special few. Known the world over as not only one of, if not the greatest rapper ever, President Carter has brought rap music and the hip hop community and culture to a level never thought possible by the one-time naysayers, who original considered hip-hop just a passing fad. Like Frank, Jay's music is a hit to the masses far beyond their own specific demographic.

Their status as social figures goes way beyond popular, to flat out Iconic. Both owned the night life and club scene, although Jay took Sinatra's idea of "owning" the club scene a bit literally, throwin' up 40/40's all over the damn place like A-Rod's 1998 season on repeat. (I mean really Hov, do they need one in Macau?) Both greats are known for their ties to both major political as well as crime figures. In fact, I'm pretty sure when Jay say's he's got Obama on speed dial he's dead ass serious. Like they text one another more than Sasha and Malia text their friends; imagine those convos:

Obama: What's good Hov?!
Jay-Z: Me and B just chillin @ the crib, you?
Obama: About 2 go get this $, Bidden owe me from the Cavs/Bulls series.
Jay-Z: Oh word, he took the Bulls?
Obama: Yup, can you believe his dumb ass? I didn't wanna take the bet at 1st, but he kept runnin' his damn mouth like always. I had no choice, so now he's gonna become my personal stimulus package. I mean I'm from the Chi and I still kno better than to go against LeBron.
Jay-Z: Tru, tru. Well b4 I 4get, thx for stoppin by the 40/40 when you came to talk to Wall Street last week, appreciate the look.
Obama: No doubt, BARACK WAS IN THE BUILDIN'!!! lol. We'll certainly have to do it again.
Jay-Z: Mos Def, next time, HOLLA A'CHA BOY!!!

(I know that just pissed off the NAACP, the ACLU, United Negro College Fund, Jesse Jackson and a whole bunch of old black folk, but that was pretty damn funny. At least in my head)

And if all that wasn't enough evidence, "Empire State of Mind" replacing Frank's version of "New York, New York" as the Yankee's theme during their 2009 World Series run should be the icing on the cake (or in this case the olive in the martini). So that's it, debate done - JAY-Z IS THIS GENERATION'S FRANK SINATRA. Haters feel free to sit down and STFU.

Now you may be currently saying to your self "Ken, that was a well put together, comprehensive and somewhat amusing argument; but what in the blue hell does that have to do with a "Roc Pack"?" Good question reader (and thanks for finding me amusing). To complete the Frank connection/comparison, Jay has to assemble a crew. A group of talented individuals that become not just friends but a brand unto themselves. Obviously the "crew" isn't anything new to hip-hop nor Jay-Z for that matter (we all remember the Roc-A-Fella Dynasty), but as Hov has evolved from street corner urban poet to multi-millionaire status symbol and all around MC Messiah, the company he keeps must evolve too. (For Christ sake he got Oprah to chill with him on a stoop in Bed Stuy drinkin quarter waters) In essence, Jay-Z must assemble his own Rat Pack, or in his case THE ROC PACK (c'mon readers all together "Ooooohh, that's what he meant. That's clever") - Thank you.

Now some of the members may seem obvious, Jay's celebrity "friends" span across races, genders, musical genres even business ventures; but you gotta remember, Frank's "pack" weren't just a group of guys in the same profession. Nor were they some schemed up publicity stunt. These 5 guys (Frank, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford) legimately loved and respected each other as entertainers and as men. (Not to mention ain't no way any five guys could party the way they did and not join forces, if for no other reason than to make it that much easier to find a wing man who can pull their own weight re: bringin females to the party). Each man brought something special and specific to the table, thus making them necessary pieces in something greater (gotta have all 5 rings to create Captain Planet). But yeah, Kanye will be involved, just maybe not in connection with the guy most would probably assume (God, I hope he doesn't polish off a bottle of Henn and come interupt me in the middle of writing this blog). And at the end, if you don't agree with my choices by all means feel free to throw you Roc Pack in the comments section (but realize, I reserve the right to put you on blast if you put up something stupid).

So lets start with Mr. Bojangles himself, Sammy Davis Jr. Singer, dancer, actor and all around BAMF. Davis was a vaudville performer as just a little kid with his father and uncle and would grow to be the premiere definition of a "Triple Threat". The choice for his modern day upgrade into The Roc Pack, could seem a little daunting at first glance. There are tons of R&B singers who fit the "Sammy mold" (not to say that anyone can do what Sammy did, you can trust me on that babe). There's Usher - tremendous singer and constantly put in the list as the "next Michael Jackson" for his skills as a dancer. Trey Songz who recently went out on tour with Jay, and has stepped his music and celeb status up considerably over the last year. Ne-Yo who has written and recorded with Hov on both of their albums, slowly making a name for himself as an actor with roles in Stomp the Yard and Save the Last Dance 2 (stop laughing). Of course there's Chris Brown - ok well maybe not really but I'm sure Jay would have no problem making it so C. Breezy only has one eye like Sammy. All of these guys make sense and could be an option for the Sammy Spot in the Roc Pack, but if you really think about the best option is as simple and clear as Sammy's glass eye. Successful child star - check; went on to have a massively successful music carreer as an adult - 2 multi-platinum solo records I'd have to say check; budding acting career with a range covering serious drama and side splitting comedy - I'll put a check in a box. That's right, I'm talkin' about Justin "Motherlovin'" Timberlake. And if the points above weren't enough, he's one of the coolest "white boys" in urban culture. He's got the black guy co-signed, John Mayer "hood pass", but still enough white southern guilt to not actually say nigger (or any spelling variation - still smh about that one John). So just like Sammy did for Franks crew in the 60's, the men of the Roc Pack can help further improve race relations with all their group shots looking like some sort of hip-hop United Colors of Benetton ad.

Next up, Joey Bishop. Joey was the comedian of the group. While he could sing and did so from time to time, Joey was far more known for his stand up and acting. So much so that he guest hosted The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson more times than anyone else, and even had his own comedy series and late night talk show. So who should be his 2K doppleganger? Well think about it: known and established comedian, well versed actor able to easily navigate roles in comedic and non-comedic genres, known for his own hit comedy series, as well as his ability to take over hosting duties, and of course the under the radar secondary talent of being a hell of a singer. Any thoughts? Coming up with any names? Still need more time? Let me stop this here cuz realistically your opinion on this is irrelevent seeing as I already figured out my choice and that's Academy Award Winner, Jamie Foxx. I'm pretty sure the "Blame It" video would be exactly what a night out with the Roc Pack would look like (including Ron Howard making it rain on some skantilly clad gorgeous 20-something).

Third is probably the least known member of Frank's pack, certainly by my generation, Peter Lawford. Lawford was a British-American actor and also brother-in-law to the John, Robert and Ted Kennedy (and all the other siblings in that family I suppose). While Peter was viewed as a world renowned actor with incredible talent, as he got older and his career got longer he started to become famous far more for his "performances" off screen than on it. Between his late night boozefests (this should be taken w/ a Mohave deserts worth of salt, I mean look who he was rollin with) and multiple marriages I'll just say that if there were a TMZ back then they'd develop a spin-off network just to cover him. So, who fills his shoes? What incredibly talented entertainer can spend just as much explaining and apologizing for the dumb shit he did or said...or tweeted as they do showing their world their brilliance? It was once rumored that Lawford threatened to walk out on a movie he was going to be shooting with Frank b/c he felt the part wasn't big enough for his talents. Does Jay-Z even know or hang out with someone so narcissistic that they would threaten to pull out of an engagement (like, lets say a music video awards show) because they feel their talent wasn't receiving the due he felt it deserved (only to not pull the trigger in the end b/c they knew they'd have to deal w/ Jay/Frank setting they ass straight)? Who could take these reigns..."children, ladies, MR. WEST IS THE BUILDIN'!!!"

So, for those of you who know your Rat Pack history (or can count and realized I said there were 4 additional members and I've only listed 3), we're missing one final Rat (Roc...?). If Frank was the Rat Pack President, Dean Martin was most certainly his Vice. Of all the late 50's/early 60's Rat Pack movies the two were in most of them together. Just like Frank, Dean was a throwback crooner, with a silky smooth voice and Playboy good looks to go with it. Singing, acting, comedy, showmanship, Dean pulled it all off seamlessly. But unlike Frank, Dean never could garner the same mass popularity "The Chairman" was able to get. Some say it was due to Frank having a little something extra that Dean lacked, others link it to Dean just having an apathetic nature to the whole notion of being a "celebrity". In any case, his 2K upgrade has to be a name and personality that can stand and shine on its own, but won't need to steal the spotlight from Jay. I spent the most time tryin to figure out who should take over this role as Jay's right hand man. Since I had already decided Kanye would be the Peter Lawford, the obvious choice was thrown out the window. I considered Nas, but could you really see Escoe suitin up and runnin the Vegas strip with the rest of these guys? Me neither. I thought about another hip-hop heavyweight in his own right Common, whose acting career continues to hit new peaks, but after going over it with my mother (again I'd like to remind you, I'm living with my folks for the time being while recovering from knee surgery - I'm not one of those "Mama's basement bloggers", lets get that shit straight now) she'd got me to realize that Common doesn't have nearly the same global recognition necessary. In the end I came to the conclusion that Dean2K could only be realistically one of three people: Diddy, Pharrell or Will Smith.
Upon further review we come to the conclusion that Diddy LOVES the spotlight. Damn sure way too much to not wanna be (or at the very least assume he is) the Frank Sinatra in this situation. Not to mention the fact that Jay and Diddy are technically competing to be viewed as hip-hop's most successful mogul.
Pharrell would work, he's certainly successful in the music biz as one of the biggest producers in music, and I don't just mean hip-hop. But like Common, I don't know that he's got the appeal to reach the variety of demographics the way Dean did. I mean obviously Pharrell is HUGE amongst us 80's babies and younger, but do people outside of our generation, know, get, or enjoy Pharrell? I'm not 100% sure that they do.
So in the end we're left with only one real choice, Big Will himself, and to be honest he makes the most sense. Like Mr. Carter, Mr. Smith really is a hip-hop pioneer (again, stop laughing). Say what you will about his actual lyrical content and how corny it may be (REALLY FUCKING CORNY), The Fresh Prince (and of course DJ Jazzy Jeff - can't forget the DJ) was a pivotal figure in hip-hop's crossing over into main stream society with him winning the first televised Best Rap Grammy for "Parents Just Don't Understand". In addition, nearly 20 years after it was initially released, "Summertime" is still a classic Summer anthem, from the block to the burbs. Not to go all SAT prep on the argument but: Jay-Z is to rap album sales as Will Smith is to...summer blockbusters (aka they make a FUCKLOAD of money). Will is one of the few peers Jay-Z has in the entertainment industry on a popularity, politcal and social level. I can see them hitting the campaign trail in 2012 working to get President Obama re-elected just as easily as I could see them stumbling out of a club at 8 AM, $500 ties casually loosened around their necks, $800 silk shirts untucked, jackets missing from their $10,000 Armani suits, as they grin at each other sharing sorted tales of the crazy shit they just got through doing no more than an hour ago, between puffs of $150 hand-rolled Cuban cigars. Ain't nobody ballin' like this, but if you closed your eyes and thought about it, couldn't you picture them doing it? And if all that doesn't convince you that Will would fit the Dean spot, "In West Philadelphia, born and raised. On the playground is where I spent most of my days. Chillin out, maxin' and relaxin' all cool..."
(EXACTLY! feel free to finish the song before moving on to the next paragraph, don't worry I'll wait).

We good? Alright. So there it is if Jay really wants us to believe that he's the new Sinatra, he's gotta get his Roc Pack together. Not just a couple guys he has hang around him that are "signed to his label", but a collective crew he can coordinate his style of living with. A conglomerate of talent, with a social status and power the likes of which hasn't been seen in two generations. A group of leer jet flyin, limosine ridin, wheelin, dealin, kiss stealin SOB's that would leave the paparazzi not knowing whether they should shit, wet or cream themselves. Jay-Z, Will Smith, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West and Jamie Foxx; ladies and gentlemen I give you... The Roc Pack!


Peace Up, Peace Out