Rap Music Notes by MC

Top 10 Ringtones 11/8/09

2009-11-08T13:33:00.002-05:00

Here's a look at the hottest ringtones for your cell phone right now, according to Funtonia.com. Many of the usual suspects are on top of this chart, including Jay-Z and Beyonce. The Black Eyed Peas and Miley Cyrus also have continued to make major money with their upbeat party anthems I Gotta Feeling & Party in the USA. Check out the top 10 below, and add your favorite to your phone, no matter what the brand or service you use!

1) Best I Ever Had - Drake

2) Party in the USA - Miley Cyrus

3) Empire State of Mind - Jay-Z & Alicia Keys

4) Forever - Drake

5) Run this Town - Jay-Z feat. Rihanna & Kanye West

6) 21 Guns - Green Day

7) Break Up - Mario feat. Gucci Mane

8) Down - Jay Sean

9) I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas

10) Sweet Dreams - Beyonce

Miley Cyrus hasn't heard Jay-Z's Music

2009-11-08T11:28:00.000-05:00

he Fox & Friends show on Fox News channel along with multiple sources are reporting on a story of major significance today: Miley Cyrus has never heard a Jay-Z song and can't even name one. This news comes despite her latest hit song on the radio claiming in its lyrics she turned on the radio to hear her favorite Jay-Z song. The young pop star has been cashing in on the track, but explains that she didn't write the song, and that pop music isn't really her thing..

"I don't know, I didn't write the song – I picked that song because I needed something to go with my clothing line," she explained of her collaboration with Wal-Mart and designer Max Azaria, adding she didn't realize the track would take off. "It turned out for the best. It was really unexpected."

The young rocker said the pop track was a curveball from her usual style.

"I don't listen to pop music, that's not my style of music," Miley said of the track. "I'm really blessed for it to have done as well as it has."

Miley further added that she'd never cover a song her father did like "Achy Breaky Heart" because "That's like covering a Jay-Z song".

It's good to see the media not only exposes government lies, but also those done by musicians in playful, upbeat song lyrics...

Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA" is currently a chart topper and one of the top-selling ringtones for 11/8/09.

(Story source: nbcmiami.com)

Rihanna Russian Roulette Lyrics

2009-10-20T17:01:00.002-04:00

Rihanna's cover for "Russian Roulette"

On Tuesday, R&B/pop singer Rihanna released her new, highly-anticipated single entitled "Russian Roulette" via Ryan Seacrest's show. Many have already speculated that this song's lyrics are in reference to her whole situation involving the Chris Brown domestic violence. She discusses the idea of taking chances with her life, and how scary it is. Decide for yourself if it's in reference to her incident with Chris Brown...lyrics and song via flash music player or YouTube video player below.

Take the gun and count to three
I'm sweatin now,
Movin' slow,
No time to think,
My turn to go,
And you can see my heart....beating
You can see it through my chest
And I'm terrified, but I'm not leaving
I know that I must pass this test
So just pull the trigger (echoes)

Say a prayer to yourself
He says close your eyes
Sometimes it helps
And then I get, a scary thought
That he's here, means he's never lost
And you can see my heart....beating
You can see it through my chest
And I'm terrified, but I'm not leaving
I know that I must pass this test
So just pull the trigger (echoes)
as life flashes before my eyes
Im wondering will I ever see another sunrise
so many won't get the chance to see goodbye
But it's too late to think of the value of my life
and you can see my heart beating
you can see it through my chest
And I'm terrified, but I'm not leaving
I know that I must pass this test
So just pull the trigger (echoes)

You can see my heart beating
You can see it through my chest
And I'm terrified, but I'm not leaving
I know that I must pass this test
So just pull the trigger ...trigger...trigger

*Gunshot*

Snoop Dogg gets Raw with WWE

2009-10-20T13:49:00.003-04:00

Rap star Snoop Dogg was the guest celebrity host for World Wrestling Entertainment's (WWE) Raw show this past Monday Night. He rolled out to the arena in a pink cadillac complete with several hip hop honey divas with him (Eve Torres & The Bella Twins of WWE's Divas). From there, Snoop kicked off the party to his new single "Gangsta Luv", but said the show would be "all business".

Snoop name dropped his upcoming solo album "Malice in Wonderland" several times during the show, and also had a funny bit involving the use of scented candles to make it look like he had been smoking backstage. His big hit of the night wasn't the Chronic or performing a song from his new album though. Instead, Snoop came to the aid of WWE's midget wrestler named Hornswoggle in the ring. Snoop got in the face of Chavo Guerrero and after being pushed too many times, the Doggfather retaliated with some wrestling moves of his own. Check it out on the YouTube video clip here:

Snoop, a self-admitted WWE fanatic, previously was a part of Wrestlemania a few years ago with an in-ring encounter. He is the first rap star to host the WWE Raw Monday night show. Other celebrity hosts have included Seth Green, Reverend Al Sharpton, Bob Barker, Cedric the Entertainer and Ben Roethlisberger (QB of the Pittsburgh Steelers).

Download Gangsta Luv MP3 (Explicit)

Get Snoop's latest - Death Row - The Lost Sessions Vol. 1

Rap Attack's Mr. Magic dies

2009-10-02T16:40:00.005-04:00

John Rivas, better known as New York disc jockey Mr. Magic died of a heart attack earlier Friday. He was an inspirational figure in hip-hop music as he co-founded WBLS-FM's "Rap Attack" show in 1983, which hit the airwaves officially in 1989. His six year span on the show helped give the music more validity as a genre. In its prime years it featured Marley Marl as the DJ and Tyrone "Fly Ty" Williams as the show's co-producer. Mr. Magic also was part of a battle in the mid-80's against fellow radio disc jockey for another station named Kool DJ Red Alert. The Juice Crew headed by Marley Marl figured into this feud as well.

When it comes to hip-hop pioneers you're not likely to hear people immediately mention "Mr. Magic", but in fact he is one of the rap pioneers who brought the music genre to the mainstream. He's been name dropped by Notorious BIG as an early inspiration- "Every Saturday - Rap Attack - Mr. Magic Marley Marl" on the hit song Juicy. Other rappers to mention him include Whodini, Tupac Shakur and Nas on various songs.

He released a few albums including greatest hits from the Rap Attack show. Mr. Magic was also featured in the hit video game "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" as one of the disc jockeys on a radio station. His radio show is also heard during a scene in the movie "Notorious" about BIG's life story. Various searches seem to turn up little information on Rivas' birthdate, so his age at death is not yet posted.

RIP to John "Mr. Magic" Rivas, an early influence in hip hop....

Michael Jackson Movie Tickets on Sale 9/27

2009-09-27T00:12:00.000-04:00

Sunday, September 27, 2009 fans will be lining up for the first round of tickets for an exclusive Michael Jackson film called "This is It". The movie won't open in theaters until October 28th, and will have just a two week run worldwide.

The Sony Pictures "This is It" movie will include footage of MJ's final three months, including video of him rehearsing for his concert comeback. Jackson passed away just three weeks before the "This is It" concert was to debut in the O2 Arena in London, England. Sony has had its hands full editing over 100 hours of video footage that concert promoter AEG Live gave them from April, May and June 2009.

From CNN.com:

"Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, and genius as he creates and perfects his final show," Sony said.

Kenny Ortega, who was working with Jackson to create the "This Is It" concert, is also directing the documentary.

"As we began assembling the footage for the motion picture, we realized we captured something extraordinary, unique and very special," Ortega said. "It's a very private, exclusive look into a creative genius' world."

There may be an additional Michael Jackson three-city memorabilia tour in the works from AEG Live, but that will be decided by a judge. For now, fans are lining up in large numbers to score the first tickets for this exclusive MJ show.

(Story source: CNN.com)

Jay-Z on Oprah Winfrey's Show

2009-09-25T00:42:00.002-04:00

(Jay shows Oprah how it's done on the M-I-C)

Rap star and business media mogul Jay-Z was featured as a guest on Oprah's show this past Thursday. Oprah made a visit to Jay-Z's Marcy Projects for part of the interview and also had the rapper in studio as well. Jay remarked how astonishing it was to have Oprah standing in the projects with him years later. Jay also told stories of life growing up on the streets, getting involved in the drug game, and his father's leaving early on in his life. Oprah asked if Jay-Z ever did drugs in all the years he was dealing and Jay gave a vehement "No". Oprah said she heard good dealers never do drugs and Jay quipped "they got that idea from Scarface". It became a mob scene when Jay and Oprah hit the streets of Marcy projects as crazy fans showed up.

Jay said his relationship with Beyonce is the one sacred thing he can keep out of the public eye, which is why the two of them rarely speak about each other to the media. Oprah also took an in-depth look at Jay's business ventures at Jay's Rocawear headquarters in Manhattan. Jay-Z said he still gets a "wow" feeling when he steps off the elevator and sees the "Rocawear" sign on the wall. Jay told Oprah he feels he has such a passion for what he does and that's how he got where he is now.

Oprah also brought up the Rihanna-Chris Brown domestic violence situation. Jay-Z said Rihanna can grow from that situation and become a hero for other young people going through similar problems. Oprah also brought up that she tends to not support rap music due to misogynistic lyrics and the use of the "N" word to which Jay said the current generation has taken the power out of the word, using it more as a term of endearment.

The segment closed out with Jay delivering a bit of a freestyle rap, trying to educate Oprah on how to rap. Watch it here

Jay-Z Oprah Rap Lyrics

"Little boy from Brooklyn made it to the Sty,
Little girl from down South made it to the Chi,
Only goes to show that the limit is the sky
If life gives you lemons than you make lemon pie"

Jay-Z is featured in the pages of the October issue of O magazine as well.

MTV's Real World Cancun Reunion

2009-09-16T23:27:00.004-04:00

(Joey and Emilee erupt during RW Cancun Reunion)

MTV's Class of 2009 Real World Cancun was reunited once again on Wednesday night, September 16th at 10PM EST. Reality TV stars Ayiiia Elizarraras. Bronne Bruzgo, Christian "CJ" Koegel, Emilee Fitzpatrick, Johnna Mannion, Derek Chavez, Joey Rozmus, and Jasmine Reynaud. assembled in front of a live studio audience to get grilled over everything that went down while in Spring Break paradise, Cancun, Mexico. If you saw this season's Real World on MTV you saw plenty of fights, trash talking, hookups, cheating, backstabbing and other mayhem. The cast of this season's RW were also employed like most others, in a tough job working for Student City to help provide responsible fun for all those Spring Breakers visiting the area.

Of course all the hot topics were discussed including Emilee and Ayiiia's lesbian hookup, the various fights including Ayiiia, CJ and Joey, Joey spitting on Ayiiia's tacos, Ayiiia's cutting, Joey getting fired from Student city and forced to leave the show, Bronne getting kicked out of the luxurious Cancun pad, Christian's NFL tryouts, and much more. There was also the whole Pat, Jasmine, Johnna issue which was brought up once again as was the threesome including Pat, Johnna and Ayiiia, and the Ayiiia-Joey hookup to close out the season. Wow, did we forget to mention Ayiiia was involved in pretty much all the dirt and grime of Real World Cancun?

Real World 22 Cancun - MTV Shows

Maria Menounos hosted the show and wasted no time as she launched right into the Ayiiia-Joey hookup that ended the season. Joey said prior to the hookup he was making out with Emilee on the bus ride home, and went looking for her in bed but wound up with Ayiiia. The two admitted it was the worst sex of their lives when "hell froze over". Ayiiia mentioned she is now with a new girlfriend, Crystal, and is doing some modeling work plus enjoying getting multiple tattoos.

The next issue brought up a touchy subject: Bronne's Zombie magazine that Emilee tapdanced all over. Footage was shown of Bronne going off on Emilee, as well as some candid interviews with the roomies discussing how Emilee would be pissed if someone stepped on her stuff. Maria started to question Emilee, but she seemed to be offended and stood up then walked off through the audience in a strange moment.

CJ discussed his potential NFL kicking career and that he did some guest work on the show "Burn Notice". He mentioned he may have some modeling work lined up as well. They managed to get Emilee back to the stage with her talking about how she had wished Bronne had approached her if he held animosity towards her. Joey and Emilee got into a bit of a verbal spar with Joey telling her "get off her period" and Emilee coming back with a line about slapping him in the face with her tampon. The two continued going at it throughout the segment, with Emilee clearly upset by something Joey had said. Derek even said he didn't know this hostility existed and thought everyone left on good terms. Roll the uptempo Sony video camera ad with the roomies clowning around together....

They discussed the whole Jasmine and Pat situation which involved Jonna. Jasmine became emotional about the whole ordeal, but Jonna eventually owned up to "stealing away" Pat from her in a way and not being more upfront. Joey at one point said Pat was only doing all this to be part of the show and that he never liked Pat. Jonna admitted that she's currently trying to work things out with Pat, and that they are dating post-Real World.

Jonna has been working at Cadillac Ranch as a bartender while also working towards being a hairstylist, and Joey is enjoying newfound success with his band. Joey had to leave the show early due to being on tour with his band. Bronne is currently bartending and working out since he gained around 30 pounds in Cancun. They rolled a sneak peak of "The Ruins" which premiers September 30th at 10PM.

There was a huge surprise as well. Well a few...First off, it was revealed that Ayiiia and Jonna were not on speaking terms, since Aayiiia felt hurt because Jonna led her on to have the threesome with she and Pat. The "big surprise" was when the band (made famous in Cancun) LMFAO came to the studio to make a special visit. They showed their video "La La La", which features Jonna in the role of "cutie with a nice booty". LMFAO performed their new single "La La La" live in a Real World reunion first to close out the show.

See LMFAO's La La La Video featuring Jonna of Real World Cancun

Taylor Swift on The View, Kanye Apology #4

2009-09-15T21:15:00.003-04:00

According to recent reports from USMagazine.com, rapper singer Taylor Swift was contacted by Kanye West via telephone following her Tuesday appearance on ABC's The View. Swift reported she accepted the apology and in the future she'd be fine around the rapper/producer.

"Kanye did call me. He was very sincere in his apology, and I accepted that apology," Swift told ABC News Radio. Asked if in the future, everything would be fine between the two, she replied, "Yeah, definitely."

In the YouTube clip below, Swift makes her appearance on ABC's The View to discuss her emotional ride at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, which included riding the NY Subway for her performance of "You Belong to Me", just moments after the whole Kanye West incident went down.

This marks apology #4 from Kanye West, but the first that was made directly while in contact with Swift. His previous 3 included two blog entries (one in ALL CAPS) and an appearance on The Jay Leno Show Monday night. Taylor's definitely getting a ton of publicity out of this, not that she asked for it, but to think a musician minds when more people are googling her and learning about her music, would be preposterous.

Kid Cudi Man on the Moon Album Review

2009-09-15T11:41:00.007-04:00

(Kid Cudi's "Man on the Moon: The End of Day")

Buy Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon album MP3 download for just $3.99!

Man On The Moon: The End Of Day (Bonus Tracks) [Explicit]

Download Kid Cudi ringtones at Funtonia!

Kid Cudi's a relatively new rapper on the scene out of Cleveland, Ohio. Parte Lupe Fiasco, part Pharrell/Kanye West, part Cee-Lo, with his sing songy nature he's a unique entry into hip hop these days. He made it bigtime when his song "Day N' Nite" blew up on radio, and he guest appeared on Kanye West's "808's and Heartbreak" album. Momentum started to build for the rapper as he released a mixtape in traditional fashion, and the anticipation grew for his first solo album, "Man On The Moon End of Day". His follow-up single "Make Her Say" featured Kanye West & Common, and sampled Lady Gaga's "Poker Face". The result was another hit for Cudi on the charts. What sets Cudi apart from other rappers looking to make it big is his sing-songy style which also seems to appeal to fans of Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West and even throwback pioneers such as Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Del tha Funkee Homosapien and Jungle Brothers.

Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon album dropped just today Tuesday September 15th, 2009 and after listening to it multiple times over the past weeks, it's well worth the purchase and listen. Cudi takes the listener on a vivid, eery, gloomy and even upbeat journey through his mind and soul. Kid Cudi's Soundtrack to My Life lyrics opens with the rapper spitting: "I've got 99 problems, and they all bitches..Wish I was Jigga man, carefree livin'" and sets the tone for his album from there, discussing the pitfalls, words of encouragement, dark thoughts, blunted mentality, and "whatever man" attitude that he needs to survive in life as well as the rap fame game. At some points Cudi's release is part depressing nightmare over mellow backdrops; at others it's got a more uptempo, inspirational feel, taking you on a roller coaster journey through the rapper's mind. Cudi lets loose over the futuristic synth funkadelic beat on "Cudi Zone" with rapid fire rhyming skills to showcase he's more than just "sing songy". "Sky Might Fall" and "Heart of a Lion" both show the positive, inspired side of the rapper, while the final track is his ode to lighting up and going "Up, Up and Away" from all haters or critics. What Cudi does well on this first album is create a colorful mindscape of lyrics and beats which listeners can relate to all over. While he's not the top emcee in the game or looking to win that award right now, he's got the gift of introspection other rappers seem to lack.

15 tracks deep, there's no skits other than Common narrating at the end of tracks to bring you through the mindscape of Cudi. Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon is easily one of the top 3 hip-hop releases of 2009, along with Mos Def & Raekwon's latest works. Cudi doesn't let himself be overshadowed by guest stars, as Kanye and Common are the big names, while he brings some other newer rappers on board for a few tracks. The album is well worth the download or record store purchase. Pick it up, buckle up, and enjoy the wild ride through the variety of sing-songy, emotion-laden tracks of an emerging rap star's mind.

Buy Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon album MP3 download for just $3.99!

Man On The Moon: The End Of Day (Bonus Tracks) [Explicit]

Download Kid Cudi ringtones at Funtonia!

Preview Kid Cudi's full album on his official Myspace!

Kanye West on Jay Leno Show

2009-09-15T08:10:00.004-04:00

(Leno interviews West re: Swiftgate incident)

NBC's Jay Leno couldn't have asked for a more perfectly-timed guest for his new show as he kicked off his new primetime series. On Monday night controversial rap star Kanye West was on the Jay Leno Show, just one night after West interrupted Taylor Swift on stage at the MTV Video Music Awards. The interview was a last minute thing, as West was there to perform with Jay-Z and Rihanna for the Blueprint 3 hit song "Run this Town". Jay Leno didn't have too many laughs during the interview, but earlier in the night joked that maybe President Obama would invite West and Swift to have a "root beer summit" with him and patch things up. Speaking of the pres, Obama called Kanye West a "jackass" in an off the record talk during an interview, when asked about the incident.

As for Kanye, the rapper noted that he wants to take time off to reflect on his life and figure out how to improve. He apologized again, after issuing an apology earlier on his blog.

"So many celebrities, they never take the time off," he said. "I've never taken the time off to really -- you know, just music after music and tour after tour. I'm just ashamed that my hurt caused someone else's hurt. My dream of what awards shows are supposed to be, 'cause, and I don't try to justify it because I was just in the wrong. That's period. But I need to, after this, take some time off and just analyze how I'm going to make it through the rest of this life, how I'm going to improve."

The emotional moment of the Leno interview came when Jay asked Kanye what his mother would think about what he did at the VMA's. West paused for several moments and eventually agreed with Leno that she'd probably give him a lecture for what he did.

Check out footage of the Kanye West Jay Leno interview below:

Meanwhile, it appears that female pop stars continue to rally in support of Taylor Swift and to denounce Kanye. The latest to jump on the bandwagon, Kelly Clarkson, who said she likes her "a--hole cheating ex more than Kanye" according to the Huffington Post. This comes after singers Pink and Katy Perry posted not so nice comments towards West on their Twitter pages.

Related Entries:

Kanye West Blog Apology to Taylor Swift

Kanye West's Swift VMA Entrance

Lil' Mama issues MTV VMA Apology

2009-09-14T17:52:00.002-04:00

Now both of last night's troublemakers from the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards have made public apologies for their meddlesome activities. Kanye West blogged his and Lil Mama released a statement of her own, about her reasons for jumping on stage at the end of Jay-Z & Alicia Key's "Empire State of Mind" performance.

From EW:

Lil Mama has issued a statement to explain why she ran on stage during Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” at last night’s MTV Video Music Awards. “I did not mean any disrespect towards Jay-Z or Alicia Keys,” the rapper/America’s Best Dance Crew judge says. “I admire them and look up to them as role models. ‘Empire State of Mind’ had my emotions running high. In that moment I came up on stage to celebrate my two icons singing about NY.”

Fans continue to be irate over her actions saying that other rap stars who rep New York were in the audience but chose to stay in their seats. Beyonce had more right to be on stage than Lil' Mama, the former Lip Gloss queen, but as we all know B has what Lil' Mama and Kanye West lack: class.

Unfortunately it seems as if the MTV VMA's have turned into more of a high school talent show, in terms of the way attendees get involved. In these instances though, there's no strict principal to grab the rowdy individual by their neck and yank them off stage. Kanye West & Lil Mama probably aided the MTV awards by making some noise and generating buzz, but neither did anything worthy of an award, and both need to learn to stay in their seats when attending a show. That is unless, they'd allow fans to randomly run up on stage and hang with them during performances. Well, only Kanye needs to worry about that one...

Kanye West Blog Apology to Taylor Swift

2009-09-14T07:36:00.003-04:00

After last night's MTV Music awards 2009 Kanye West Taylor Swift incident, the rapper issued an apology to Taylor Swift, her fans and mother. Since there's no official Kanye West Twitter page (Ye hates the site), he used the next best thing, his blog.

From Kanye's blog:

"I'm so sorry to Taylor Swift and her fans and her mom. I spoke to her mother right after and she said the same thing my mother would've said. She is very talented! I like the lyrics about being a cheerleader and she's in the bleachers! I'm in the wrong for going on stage and taking away from her moment! Beyonce's video was the best of this decade!!! I'm sorry to my fans if I let you guys down!!! I'm sorry to my friends at MTV.

I will apologize to Taylor 2mrw (tomorrow). Welcome to the real world!!! Everybody wanna boo me but I'm a fan of real pop culture! No disrespect but we watchin' (watching) the show at the crib right now cause...well you know!!! I'm still happy for Taylor!!! Booyaa. You are very very talented. I gave my award to Outkast when they deserved it over me. That's what it is! I'm not crazy yall (y'all), I'm just real. Sorry for that! I really feel bad for Taylor and I'm sincerely sorry!!! Much respect!!!"

The stage-rushing incident came early on in the show, moments after Madonna had made a speech remembering Michael Jackson, and then a tribute performance was done on stage with Jackson dancers, and the late singer's sister arriving out to perform "Scream".

Taylor Swift had just won the Best Female video VMA and while she was on stage with her moon man award statue, West interrupted, yanking the mic from her hands to proclaim Beyonce's "Single Ladies" as one of the best videos of all time. After West left the stage, Swift stood in silence stunned. She began her speech but the MTV people chose to start showing a video skit on the big screen featuring Tracy Morgan, which cut her off.

Later in the show, Beyonce won Video of the Year, and in a moment of true grace, she invited Swift back on stage to have her award-winning moment. Many are now praising Beyonce for her move, while Kanye continues to get the not so friendly treatment. Fans and celebs alike were buzzing and downright mad about Kanye's interference, as singers Pink and Katy Perry sounded off on Twitter. It's unlikely we'll see any Pink, Borat, or Katy Perry collaborations with West anytime soon. Now will Lil' Mama please make a public apology to Jay-Z & Alicia Keys for jumping on stage to pose with the duo?

Related: Kanye West's Swift VMA Entrance 2009

(Story Source: Fox40.com)

Jay-Z & Alicia Keys at 2009 MTV VMA's

2009-09-14T07:05:00.003-04:00

(Lil' Mama on stage with Jay-Z, Alicia w/ the WTF?)

Whether Jay-Z was fashionably late or it was just part of the show, the rapper closed out the strange, controversial and interesting 2009 MTV VMA's with a hardcore rap performance. Jay-Z took to the stage after MTV continually announced he was on his way to the venue several times. Possibly to build hype, or he really was late for the show. Still it was a spirited and boisterous performance by the duo of Jay's Blueprint 3 hit song "Empire State of Mind". Jay's wife Beyonce bootylicious self was shown dancing front row to the track.

Jay-Z - New Music - More Music Videos

Empire State of Mind Lyrics - Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys

Question: What was Lil' Mama doing up on stage at the end of Jay-Z's performance? Notice in the video and pic above, Alicia Keys is wondering what the hell she's doing there. I'm sure she got a talking to later on. The one-hit wonder of "Lip Gloss" fame showed up to pose next to Jay and Alicia Keys following their triumphant performance on stage. Many fans and reviewers of the show believe maybe Lil' Mama was high, but more likely she just wanted her 15 seconds of fame as she isn't relevant right now. Even with last night's stunt, she still was less talked about than Kanye West.

More 2009 MTV VMA's Coverage:

Kanye West blog Apology to Taylor Swift

Kanye West Taylor Swift MTV VMA 2009 incident

Kanye West's Swift VMA Entrance 2009

2009-09-13T23:52:00.009-04:00

(Kanye interrupts Swift's award moment, MTV VMA 2009)

Another year, another controversial MTV live awards show goes down in history. And yet another MTV VMA's where awards were given to recognize music videos rarely even seen on MTV. But as of September 13th and beyond, the internet will continue to buzz about the MTV VMA Awards show 2009 edition, including "What did Kanye West do?" and "Who is Russell Brand?"

It didn't take rapper Kanye West long at all to get himself in hot water at yet another MTV awards show. This time around, West wasn't even griping about himself losing an award. Instead, he rushed the stage to interrupt Taylor Swift's award acceptance for Best Female video, and basically proclaimed that Beyonce had been robbed of the award. Beyonce had a stunned reaction in the crowd, and the audience eventually turned against Ye with boos. It was also reported that various celebs were not happy with Kanye, including Pink who gave him a disgusted look as she walked by.

MTV Shows

All was not lost though, as Beyonce later won Video of the Year for "Single Ladies" and during her acceptance invited Taylor Swift back on stage to have her moment. Beyonce claimed she knew what it was like to win for the first time when she won with Destiny's Child a while back. Taylor graciously thanked all the fans, and her little brother's high school for allowing them to film the video.

The impressive opening moment of the show saw Madonna come out at the opening to pay tribute to Michael Jackson. Madonna recalled a story of when she tried to get to know the shy superstar. She also brought up how they grew apart, and how a "witch-hunt" began for Michael. Madonna talked of Jackson being unique and rare, but also a human being who we unfortunately had to lose to appreciate more. From there they launched into a tribute to Jackson, with classic videos playing on the big screen and dancers on stage recreating the moves while decked out in classic MJ costumes. The opening bit also saw a surprise performance from the late Michael's sister, Janet as she exploded out onto the stage to do her part from "Scream" while the black and white spaced out video played behind her. Jermaine and Joe Jackson were in the house to see the unveiling of concert footage from a Michael Jackson movie that will be released at a later date.

Still wondering who the host was? It was British actor Russell Brand of Forgetting Sarah Marshall fame who hosted the fast-paced show which lacked comedic punch. Wale performed with a house band in various segments to the side of the stage.

The post show seemed to lack anything special as they analyzed the "Tweets" from Twitter regarding the show. To make things even stranger, MTV correspondent and personality Sway tried to call his brother on his new LG phone to get his opinion of the show. Fortunately for Sway and MTV, it went to voice mail.

Regarding the Kanye stage crash, there were some unhappy Twitterers from the VMA's, including Katy Perry, Pink & Borat:

@PINK: "# Kanye west is the biggest piece of s--t on earth. Quote me.about 4 hours ago from UberTwitter "

"# My heart goes out to taylor swift. She is a sweet and talented girl and deserved her moment. She should know we all love her. about 4 hours ago from UberTwitter "

"Beyonce is a classy lady.I feel for her, too.Its not her fault at all, and her and taylor did their thing. And douche bag got kicked out. HA"

@Borat: "# I would like to skull f--k kanye west until his jaw breaks for what he did too taylor swift.about 3 hours ago from Power Twitter "

Katy Perry: "# F--K U KANYE. IT'S LIKE U STEPPED 0N A KITTEN.about 3 hours ago from UberTwitter "

"# Vma's we're amaze sack but why every1 gotta go ruin the top & bottom of it all, Kan** 2 Lil M*** get OFF DA STAGE IT AIN'T YO TIME 2 SHINE! about 1 hour ago from UberTwitter "

Apparently, based on Katy Perry's tweet, Lil' Mama somehow snuck onto the stage and was present at the end of Jay-Z's performance of "Empire State of Mind" to pose with Alicia Keys & Jigga...What a show.

More MTV VMA's Coverage:

Kanye West blog Apology to Taylor Swift

Jay-Z & Alicia Keys 2009 MTV VMA's Performance - Empire State of Mind

Related Entries: Taylor Swift's Thug Story Rap lyrics

Jay-Z Concert from MSG via FUSE TV

2009-09-12T15:12:00.006-04:00

(Jay-Z returns to MSG on Fuse TV concert)

Jigga man returned once again to the venue he's rocked several times over including his farewell Fade to Black concert before his "retirement" several years ago. This time rapper Jay-Z was back to form as he performed his new album hits, opening the show with singer Alicia Keys to perform "Empire State of Mind" in boisterous fashion as both the rapper and R&B diva boldly belted out their verses and chorus. After the opening cut, Jay gave a shout-out to each borough of NY, with Brooklyn getting the loudest ovation as expected. The rap star then launched into "Where I'm From" off his second album. Jay's 3rd track was the "Brooklyn Go Hard" song from the Notorious movie, complete with pounding drumline and singer Santogold.

The crowd erupted in a "HO-VA" chant right after Jay finished, then launched into "PSA" from The Black Album. The stage featured full band as well as digital graphics backdrop which changed to mirror the various tracks. Jay's wifey Beyonce also took to the stage doing her thing as well complete with her own dance crew to back her up. Rapper/producer Pharrel also showed up for the concert to get on stage for "I Jus Wanna Love U".

The concert was the "Answer the Call" 9/11 charity concert Friday night at Madison Square Garden. All proceeds went to the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Fund. Tickets cost just $50 a pop, (inexpensive for a Jay-Z show). Apparently the show sold out in under a minute, and that's no surprise at that price. Jay-Z's newest album was also released on Friday 9/11, "The Blueprint 3" which has received lukewarm reception from critics and fans. Some praise the latest work, while others say it's too much like Kingdom Come. Regardless of how the album itself ranks, this particular live concert shows that Jay-Z still knows how to rock a crowd and put on one helluva show!

Watch Jay-Z's "Answer the Call" concert footage here!

Get Jay-Z Blueprint 3 lyrics here

Soundtrack 2 My Life Lyrics Kid Cudi

2009-09-07T18:44:00.004-04:00

Kid Cudi's first solo album "Man on the Moon" promises to be one of the top releases in hip hop this year, coming on the heels of his mega hot tracks "Day N' Nite" and the Kanye West/Common collab joint "Make Her Say" which borrows the Lady Gaga Poker Face sample. If you're a fan of Kanye style hip hop, or that of older groups that paved the way like Jungle Brothers, De La Soul and Tribe Called Quest, you'll probably enjoy Cudi's dark yet refreshing rap tracks from the new album.

On the second track of his new album, Cudi gets real introspective as he looks inside his soul to the depths of depression, discussing his upbringing, drugs/alcohol as problem solvers, and what it's like dealing with celebrity hop-hop fame. Cudi starts out with "I got 99 problems, and they all b--s"/Wish I was Jigga carefree livin" and continues from there over the grating guitar beat with futuristic drum pattern and beeps. Singing the chorus himself he admits "I've got some issues nobody can see".

Check out the full lyrics for Kid Cudi's amazing track, "Soundtrack 2 My Life" lyrics. Although Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon album was already leaked on torrent sites, the album drops officially on Tuesday September 15th, 2009.

Download Soundtrack 2 My Life MP3 for 99 cents

Find ringtones featuring Kid Cudi for your cell phone!

Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon: The End of Day available at Amazon.com

Kid Cudi Soundtrack 2 My Life Lyrics

Verse 1:
I got, 99 problems and they all b---s
Wish I was Jigga man, carefree livin'
But I'm not Sean, or Martin Lewey,
I'm a Cleveland n---a rollin' with them Brooklyn boys,
You know how high I be when you start livin' large,
I control my own life, Charles was never in charge,
No sitcom could teach Scott about the dram,
Or even explain about the troubles that haunted my mom,
On Christmas time, my mom Christmas grind,
Got me most of what I wanted, how'd ya do it mom?
Huh, she copped the toys I would play with
in my room by myself, why he by himself?
He got two older brothers one hood one good
Independent older sister kept me fly when she could
But they all didn't see the little bit of sadness in me
Scotty-

Chorus:
I've got some issues that nobody can see
And all of these emotions are pouring out of me
I bring them to the light for you
It's only right, this is
The soundtrack 2 my life
The Soundtrack 2 my life...

Verse 2:
I'm super paranoid like a sixth sense
since my father died I ain't been right since
And I try to piece the puzzle of the universe
Split an eight of shrooms just so I could see the universe
I try to think of myself as a sacrifice,
Just to show the kids they ain't the only ones who up at night
The moon will illuminate my room
And soon I'm consumed by my doom
Once upon a time nobody gave a f--k
It's all said and done and my c--ks been sucked
So now I'm in the cut, alcohol in the womb,
My hearts an open sore that I hope heals soon,
I live in a cocoon, opposite of Cancun,
Where it is never sunny, the dark side of the Moon,
So it's never right, I try to shed some light on it man,
Not many people of this planet understand...
Fam-

Chorus
I've got some issues that nobody can see
And all of these emotions are pouring out of me
I bring them to the light for you
It's only right, this is
The soundtrack 2 my life
The Soundtrack 2 my life...

Verse 3:
I'm this close to goin and tryin' some coke
and a happy ending be slitting my throat
Ignorance to cope man, Ignorance is bliss
Ignorance is love and I need that s--t
If I never did shows I'd probably be a myth
If I cared about blogs then I'd probably be a jackass
Don't give a s--t what people talk about fam
Haters shake my hand but I keep the sanitizer on deck
Hope I really get to see thirty
Wanna settle down stop bein so flirty
Most of the faces be the most dirty
I just need a thoroughbred cook when I'm hungry
Ass all chunky, brain is insanity
Only things that calm me down, p---y and some Cali tree
And I get both, never truly satisfied
I am happy - that's just the saddest lie

Chorus:
I've got some issues that nobody can see
And all of these emotions are pouring out of me
I bring them to the light for you
It's only right, this is
The soundtrack 2 my life
The Soundtrack 2 my life...
to my life, to my life, to my life.....
uh huh yea, uh huh yea
uh huh yea,
yea, yea....

Kid Cudi Man on the Moon Album Review

Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon: The End of Day available at Amazon.com

Find ringtones featuring Kid Cudi for your cell phone!

Raekwon Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II Album

2009-09-06T23:15:00.003-04:00

(Raekwon returns to form with OB4CL2)

September 8th, 2009 marks the return of Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon with his sequel to the classic "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx" album. That album featuring songs like "Incarcerated Scarfaces", "Criminology" and "Glaciers of Ice". also included Ghostface Killah heavily among its hardcore lyrics. OB4CL was highly praised amongst rap fans and record critics alike. Fans have waited through several other Wu solo albums, some good, some not so good (including Rae's Immobilarity), but now 14 years later, they receive "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II", a highly anticipated and necessary follow-up. Fans of the 36 Chambers will hear Rae bring it back, and include special guests from the Wu, as well as Slick Rick, Styles P and Jadakiss rapping alongside the Chef. Production comes from top notch producers in the game including Wu-Tang frontman RZA, Dr. Dre, Erick Sermon, Pete Rock, Alchemist and the late J Dilla.

Pick up your copy of the new Raekwon here (CD or MP3).

Here's the full tracklist for Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II album:

1. Return of the North Star (feat. Papu Wu)
2. House of Flying Daggers (feat. Inspectah Deck,Ghostface Killah and Method Man)
3. Sonny's Missing (Produced by Pete Rock)
4. Pyrex Vision (Produced by Marley Marl)
5. Cold Outside (feat. Ghostface Killah and Sugar Bang)
6. Black Mozart (feat. Inspectah Deck)
7. New Wu (feat. Method Man and Ghostface Killah)
8. Penitentiary (feat. Ghostface Killah)
9. Surgical Gloves
10. Broken Safety (feat. Jadakiss and Styles P)
11. Canal Street
12. Ason Jones
13. Have Mercy (feat. Beanie Sigel and Blue Raspberry)
14. 10 Bricks (feat. Cappadonna and Ghostface Killah)
15. Fat Lady Sings
16. Catalina (feat. Lyfe Jennings)
17. We Will Rob You (feat. Slick Rick, GZA and Masta Killa)
18. About Me
19. Mean Streets (feat. Inspectah Deck and Ghostface Killah)
20. Kiss The Ring (feat. Inspectah Deck and Masta Killa)
21. South Star (feat. Papa Wu)

Buy Raekwon's new album on MP3 or CD here.

Off That Lyrics - Jay-Z feat. Drake

2009-09-05T21:36:00.002-04:00

With Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 he features several of the up-and-coming young stars in hip hip including Mr. Hudson, Kid Cudi and rapper Drake. On the track off that, Drake helps provide the chorus which lets those who think they're trendy know that Jay's already been there, done that. Backed by a futuristic, funky Timbaland beat this was one of the first few songs leaked off the third Blueprint album. Here are the full rap lyrics for Off That by Jay-Z featuring Drake.

Off That Lyrics
Jay-Z feat. Drake

Welcome to the....future (Blue print 3)
hey hey
hey count me in
Find me a nice soft place to land ( I got ya Hov!)
I'm so high,
find me a place to land
(Come on now, come on now)
yea right there yea

Verse 1:
I'm so tomorrow, the ottomans is yesterday
Which means you want time to lay
So even if I slow it down, my sound is fast forward!
I'm just a runway show,
But I wear this on my plane, these my runway clothes
Cashmere sweats they come out next year
but these my last year sweats,
And my ho's so sick,
your new chick can't f--k with my old b---h
And you know this shit,
I'm professional they know this is,
I just may let you borrow this,
This the Blueprint n---a follow this,
This what what tomorrow is,
Welcome to tomorrow, B----h!

Chorus (Drake & Jay-Z):
Whatever you about to discover we off that
You about to tell her you love her we off that
Always wanna fight in the club we off that
But you can't bring the future back
Yall are steady chasin the fame we off that
Oversized clothes and chains we off that
N---s still makin it rain n' we off that
Cuz you can't bring the future back...

Tell them haters get off me
Cris we off that, tims we off that, rims we off that
Yea we off that is you still on that
and we still makin money cuz we still on that

Verse 2:
This aint black vs white my n---a we off that
Please tell Bill O'Reilly to fall back
Tell Rush Limbaugh to get off my balls
It's 2010 not eighteen sixty four
Uh, ya we come so far so I drive around town hardtop and its soft
In my Tribeca loft, with my high brow and my high yellow broad
And my dark skin sis, and my best white mate say what's up to Chris
How's that for a mix, got a black president got green presidents
Blueprints in my white ipod Black diamonds in my Jesus piece, my god
Ah, We ain't trippin off that,
It's a Benetton ad, n---a get up off that! uh

Chorus (Drake & Jay-Z):
Whatever you about to discover we off that
You about to tell her you love her we off that
Always wanna fight in the club we off that
But you can't bring the future back
Yall are steady chasin the fame we off that
Oversized clothes and chains we off that
N---s still makin it rain n' we off that
Cuz you can't bring the future back...

Tell them haters get off me
Cris we off that, tims we off that, rims we off that
Yea we off that is you still on that
and we still makin money cuz we still on that

Verse 3:
I don't give a fidduck abiddout the widday you used to move
what you used to do,
and I don't give a fidduck abiddout
the b---s that you used to screw
What your future dude?
And we don't really care what you used to say
Unless that affects your future pay
I'm on the practice field runnin two a day
So I don't drop the ball when it's through my way
So I don't give a fidduck abiddout
the s--t that you probably did, who you probably is
The only time I deal in past tense, is I'm past rims and past tints
If you drivin' it, I drove it,
you got it, cuz I sold it,
You copped it, I bought it back
And we don't give a fidduck n---a we off that

Chorus (Drake & Jay-Z):
Whatever you about to discover we off that
You about to tell her you love her we off that
Always wanna fight in the club we off that
But you can't bring the future back
Yall are steady chasin the fame we off that
Oversized clothes and chains we off that
N---s still makin it rain n' we off that
Cuz you can't bring the future back...

Tell them haters get off me
Cris we off that, tims we off that, rims we off that
Yea we off that is you still on that
and we still makin money cuz we still on that

Outro:
Timbaland: ey, ey ,ey, ey ,ey

Jay-Z The Blueprint 3 Album Lyrics

2009-09-04T23:13:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Jay-Z Blueprint 3 lyrics page on MC's Music Notes. Here you'll find lyrics from the songs on Jay-Z's third album in the Blueprint trilogy, including his hit songs Run This Town and DOA, as well as others. This is Jay-Z's 11th solo studio album and is the follow-up to his successful album "American Gangster". Many of the new songs include some hot new lines from Jay-Z who is considered at the top of his game lyrically. Guests on The Blueprint 3 feature singers Alicia Keys and Rihanna, as well as rappers Kid Cudi, Drake, Mr. Hudson, Young Jeezy and Kanye West. Production comes from Kanye West, Pharrell and Timbaland among others on this 15 song album from Jigga.

Currently, there are several Blueprint 3 song lyrics available with links below. Check back as more songs will be added later!

Buy The Blueprint 3 at Amazon.com.

1. What We Talkin' About (Jay-Z + Luke Steele of Empire Of The Sun)
2. Thank You
3. D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune) Lyrics by Jay-Z
4. Run This Town Lyrics by Jay-Z feat. Rihanna & Kanye West
5. Empire State Of Mind Lyrics by Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
6. Real As It Gets (Jay-Z + Young Jeezy)
7. On To The Next One (Jay-Z + Swizz Beatz)
8. Off That Lyrics by Jay-Z feat. Drake
9. A Star Is Born (Jay-Z + J. Cole)
10. Venus Vs. Mars Lyrics by Jay-Z
11. Already Home (Jay-Z + Kid Cudi)
12. Hate Lyrics by Jay-Z & Kanye West
13. Reminder
14. So Ambitious (Jay-Z + Pharrell)
15. Young Forever (Jay-Z + Mr Hudson)

Venus vs Mars Lyrics by Jay-Z

2009-09-03T23:31:00.004-04:00

Welcome to the lyrics for Jay-Z's Venus vs Mars track from Blueprint 3. On this funky Timbaland produced track Venus vs. Mars, Jay-Z discusses the male female differences between him and his side chick. In clever lyrics over the smooth beat, Jay uses metaphor play including references to soft drinks, his former battle track war against Nas, Good Times, and the MAC vs PC debate. It's unknown who he's referring to in this one, or if it's just a general statement about men and women these days, or maybe a story about a girl from Hov's past. Anyhow, here's the full lyrics for Jay-Z's Venus vs Mars from Blueprint 3:

Venus vs Mars by Jay-Z Lyrics
From The Blueprint 3

Verse 1:
Hov's a Blackberry Bold
Shorty is a Sidekick
Used to have a man
I used to have a side chick
Shorty got wind, I had to blow the chick off
Got rid of him, they both took the s--t hard
Shorty played the piano, me I played the white keys
Shorty from the south, oh I think she liked me
Shorty like Pac, me, Big Poppa
Screamin "Hit em Up", I'm screamin' "Who Shot ya?"
I'm on that red wine, shorty like whites
Same s--t, different toilet, we both get nice
Yeah Im from the apple which means I'm a Mac
She's a PC, she lives in my lap

Chorus:
Shorty get it in
Daddy go hard
Shorty get it in
Da-da-daddy go hard
Shorty get it in
Daddy go hard
Shorty get it in
Da-da-daddy go hard
Shorty get it in
Daddy go hard
Shorty get it in
Da-da-daddy go hard
Shorty get it in
Venus versus Mars

Verse 2:
Whether black or white, we both like Mike
We both like Jordan's, both feels nice
I finish my breakfast, shorty's out to lunch
Yea we both eatin', it's better than brunch
Shorty like Pepsi, me I'm the Coke man,
Body like a Coke bottle, I crush ya like a Coke can
Started at the window, end the bedroom wall
The Ying to my Yang, I skeet skeet off
In a Salt n Pepper bag, shorty like to front
Bonnie to my Clyde, both ridin shotgun
Both covered in gold like C-3PO
James & Florida Evans, let the good times roll

CHORUS

Verse 3:
I thought shorty was the Truth, found out she was a cheater
We were supposed to Takeover, I caught her bumpin Ether
Thought shorty liked Mike, found out she liked Prince
I thought she was Adrian, it's been Rocky ever since
My dollars was down, she left me for zeroes
Took my whole flavor, I call her Coke Zero
We were Co-MVP's, like Kobe & Shaq
Left me for the Heat, we were winnin' back-to-back
Said I party too much, shorty got fed up
Shorty got Britney, shaved her whole head up
We used to make out kissin each other's face off
Cept for the Ponzi scheme, damn shorty just Madoff

CHORUS

Hate Lyrics by Jay-Z feat. Kanye West

2009-09-03T23:03:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the Hate lyrics by Jay-Z feat. Kanye West entry. Once again Jay-Z teams up with Roc alumni and protege, rapper/producer Kanye West. On this particular song from The Blueprint 3 the duo raps about the popular subject of haters backed by an interesting, slowed down but funky beat. Sounds a bit like something Kanye cooked up during his time recording his experimental autotune singing album 808's. Check the full lyrics for Jay-Z's Hate featuring Kanye West below.

Buy your copy of The Blueprint 3 here!

Download Jay-Z & Kanye West ringtones at Funtonia!

Hate by Jay-Z feat. Kanye West Lyrics
From: The Blueprint 3

Haters, Haters, Haters
And I made myself so easy to love
yea yea

Kanye West:
How much they hate it, very
Kiss girls like Katie Perry
I am never Sprung but I springer Jerry
Don't try this at home, results may vary
King like T.I. but in the Chi, Larry

Jay-Z:
Hoover, Hova
Botha American gangstas,
you choose who's, colder
Rappers get nasty in the booth, but I'm gross
I can't even stomach myself, ulcer
Move in cuz I'm closer
Had girlies in girdles way more than they supposed Hosa Nosa
My hustle so Russell
I stretch work- yoga
You know I got it down dog,
Al Roker I used to knock pounds off
It ain't nothin for me to knock nouns off
with these emcees prayin for my downfall
They just haters
away with you I'm so player
I never be done I'm so rare

Kanye West:
We killin the game it aint fair
You motherf----s stay right there
Cuz we too high up in the air
We blastin' off just like a laser poon poon poon
Gimme back gimme room room room
DB9 like vroom vroom vroom
Yo Hov what we doin doin doin?

Jay-Z:
We ballin' b----s
Eatin' your food leavin' dishes
Why these N---s always talkin' lead talk Ye?
Why I never see em at the clear port Ye?
Why I always hear they at the airport
While I fly daily like I'm in the Air Force
Therefore please stop talkin' my ears off
Millionaire talk, you haters
You made at me cuz you're paper
Need to get his m----f---n weight up
Wait up, I ain't done,
Name one thing that I ain't done,
It hurts when you say that I ain't the one,
You haters, how do I gain your fa-vor?
I need to know, cuz I care,
I need you to love me, I swear,
Look he-re
See Ye is
Runnin the Chi like Gayle Sayers,
I'm runnin New York,
I got the mayor on my pager
You can't fade us, you haters
I need you stay the-re
I breathe you like airr-re

Where all my haters?
I love all my haters
Love all my haters
I love all my haters
Where all my haters
Haters----yea yea

Buy your copy of The Blueprint 3 here!

Download Jay-Z & Kanye West ringtones at Funtonia!

Empire State of Mind lyrics - Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys

2009-09-03T08:10:00.003-04:00

With September 11, 2009 comes the release of Jay-Z's The Blueprint 3, a 17 track rap album featuring guest rappers Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Young Jeezy and singers like Rihanna and Alicia Keys. R&B diva Alicia Keys is part of one of the standout tracks on Jay's third Blueprint album, a song paying tribute to the Big Apple, New York City. Many fans feel Jay-Z sounds hungry like the Old School Jigga on this track, and that's for sure. Jay raps about everything from the Yankees to NBA to McDonald's, Biggie and how the big city can cause the downfall of many...Here's the lyrics for the track "Empire State of Mind" featuring Alicia Keys on the boisterous chorus.

Listen to Empire State of Mind - YouTube video

Verse 1
Yeah I'm that Brooklyn
Now Im down in Tribecca right next to Dinero
But I'll be hood forever
I'm the new Sinatra and since I made it here
I can make it anywhere, yea they love me everywhere
I used to cop in Harlem, all of my dinnany connos(?) right there in Broadway
Brought me back to that McDonald's
Took it to my stash box, 560 state street
catch me in the kitchen like a simmons whippn pastry
Cruisin down 8th street, off white lexus
Driving so slow but Bk is from Texas
Me Im out that Bedstuy home of that boy Biggie
Now I live on Billboard and I brought my boys with me
Say what up to tay tay still sippin Mai tai's
Sittin courtside Knicks and Nets, n----s give me high fives
N----a I be spiked out, I could trip a referee
Can tell by my attitude that I'm most definitely from...

Chorus:
In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made up
There's nothing you can't do
Now you're in New York
These streets will make you feel brand new
These lights will inspire you
Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York....

Uh you're welcome OJ, I made you hot!

Verse 2
Catch me at the X with OG at a Yankee game
S--t I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee game
You should know I bleed blue, but I ain't a crip though
But I got a gang of niggas walkin with my clique though
Welcome to the meltin pot, Corners where we sellin s--t
Afrika Bambatta s--t home of that hip hop
Yellow cab, gypsy cab, dollar cab hollar back
For foreigners it ain't fair they act like they forgot how to act
8 million stories out there in the naked
City it's the pity, half of yall want make it
me I gotta plug Special Ed I got it Made
If G's is paying Lebron I'm payin Dwyane Wade
Three dice celo, three card marlay
Labor day parade, rest in peace Bob Marley
Statue of liberty, long live the World Trade
Long live the king though, I'm from the Empire state that's....

Chorus:
In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made up
There's nothing you can't do
Now you're in New York (welcome to the bright lights baby)
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you
Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York....

Lyrics from http://mcmusicnotes.blogspot.com

Verse 3

Lights is blinding, girls need blinders
or they could step outta bounds quick, the side lines is
lined with casualities who sift through life casually
and gradually become worse don't bite the apple Eve
Caught up in the crowd, now you're in style
and in the winter gets cold, in vogue with your skin out
City of sin its a pity on a whim
Good girls gone bad, the city's filled with them
Mommy took a bus trip, now she got her bust out
Everybody ride her just like a bus route
Hail mary to the city you're a virgin
If Jesus can't save ya, life starts when the church in
Came here for school graduated to the high life
Ballplayers, rap stars addicted to the limelight
MD&A got ya feelin like a champion
The city never sleeps better slip you an Ambien

Chorus:
In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made up
There's nothing you can't do
Now you're in New York (welcome to the bright lights baby)
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you
Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York....

One hand in the air for the big city
Street lights, big dreams all lookin' pretty
No place in the world that could compare
Put your lighters in the air, everybody say yeaaah, yeaaah
yeaah, yeaah...

In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made up
There's nothing you can't do
Now you're in New York (welcome to the bright lights baby)
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you
Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York....

Lyrics from http://mcmusicnotes.blogspot.com

Empire State Mind is found on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint 3 available at Amazon.com.

Got edits/corrections? Post them in the comments below!

Jay-Z Blueprint 3 Preview on MTV's The Leak

2009-09-01T15:28:00.003-04:00

September 11th, comes 10 days early as MTV has a full album preview of the upcoming Jay-Z album "Blueprint 3" which features his hit tracks "DOA (Death of Autotune)", "Run this Town" and the newest song leaked on the net featuring Drake, "Off That". It seems on this album Jay-Z has gone for a more experimental and definitely crossover sound to appeal to a range of fans. On American Gangster it was straight Jay, just like back in the day. So this album might be closer to Kingdom Come than the original Blueprint.

Tracklist for Blueprint 3:

01. What We Talkin' About featuring Luke Steele of Empire of the Sun (4:03)
02. Thank You (4:09)
03. D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune) (4:15)
04. Run This Town featuring Rihanna and Kanye West (4:27)
05. Empire State of Mind featuring Alicia Keys (4:36)
06. Real as It Gets featuring Young Jeezy (4:12)
07. On to the Next One featuring Swizz Beatz (4:16)
08. Off That featuring Drake (4:06)
09. A Star Is Born featuring J. Cole (3:46)
10. Venus vs. Mars (3:10)
11. Already Home featuring Kid Cudi (4:29)
12. Haters featuring Kanye West (2:31)
13. Reminder (4:18)
14. So Ambitious featuring Pharell (4:12)
15. Young Forever featuring Mr. Hudson (4:11)

So far an early favorite is "Empire State of Mind" which praises Hov's homestate of NY. It features songstress Alicia Keys, and probably one of the best beats on the album so far featuring a funky piano in the back. Could easily see this one becoming a hot, chart topping single, if Hov chooses to unleash it. "Now you're in New York, these streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you...let's hear it for New York" Alicia sings in the boisterous and upbeat chorus. The final track featuring Mr. Hudson is yet another sample laced crossover style track with the "Forever Young" chorus you're likely to recognize. That may be a single, but who knows right now.

Enough about the album, judge for yourself based on the preview at MTV's The Leak.

Also, see Newsday's article discussing the upcoming NY benefit concert Jay is doing.

Official Trey Songz Ready Tracklist

2009-08-31T21:25:00.005-04:00

(Trey Songz is "Ready")

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R&B smooth singing sensation, Trey Songz, drops his much anticipated third album "Ready" on Tuesday, September 1st, 2009. He's only been on the scene about four or five years now, but has already recorded several hit records, including three top ten tracks with 'Girl Tonight,' 'Last Time,' and 'Can't Help But Wait.' "Can't Help But Wait" earned him his first ever Grammy nomination, showing that this promising young singer had officially arrived.

The new album features a tracklist that's 17 deep and a cover that sports Trey Songz' six pack abs, chiseled and muscular body. The Ready album includes guest spots by rappers Drake, Fabolous, Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy. It's already a hot seller at Amazon, and it's sure to be a chart topper by next week, so make sure to pick up your copy today. According to Amazon's review, Trey's touched on a wide range of subject matter with this album, while continuing to grow in terms of his vocal talents.

Here's the official Trey Songz Ready tracklist:

Trey Songz Ready Tracklist

01. Panty Droppa (Intro)
02. Neighbors Know My Name (prod. Troy Taylor & Patrick Hayes)
03. I Invented Sex f. Drake
04. I Need A Girl (prod. Stargate)
05. One Love (prod. Bryan Michael Cox)
06. Does He Do It (prod. Sean Garrett & Eric Hudson)
07. Say Aah f. Fabolous
08. LOL ☺ f. Gucci Mane & Soulja Boy (prod. Fisha & Price)
09. Ready To Make Love (Interlude)
10. Jupiter Love (prod. Troy Taylor & John “SK” McGee)
11. Be Where You Are (prod. Chris “Deep” Henderson)
12. Successful Part 2 f. Drake (prod. Noah “40” Shebib)
13. Black Roses (prod. Bei Maejor)
14. Love Lost (prod. Troy Taylor)
15. Hollalude
16. Holla If Ya Need Me (prod. Troy Taylor & Chris Hines)
17. Yo Side Of The Bed (prod. Troy Taylor & Patrick Hayes)

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Buy Trey Songz' album Ready at Amazon.com