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Reviews

Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame – Ferrari Boyz album review

Southern rap heavyweights Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame are known for bringing hyped-up, crunk-laced hip hop to the masses, and although Ferrari Boyz is not their best delivery, it still, barely I must add, gets the job done.

Between the artists constantly yelling their names and what they represent, are rhymes centered around money, cars and cocaine. There is no witty or crafty wordplay present; any word that can be rhymed with the other seems to be the procedure for just about every track on this album.

Most times, Mane is the Robin to Waka’s Batman, especially on the track “Suicide Homicide.” Rapid-fire rhymes supported by chants of “squad” and “Waka,” leave Mane’s verse in the dust.

Contributions from Brick Squad label mates Wooh da Kid, Frenchie, YG Hootie and others are apparent, but do not enhance the songs they perform on in any way. The production is also nothing impressive; filled with imitated high-hat-and-bass sounds that desire to be like the prime cut beats of Lex Luger, these hand-me-down beats from Drumma Boy, Fatboi and other contributors, gets the job done, but doesn’t really leave any resonance with the listener.

This album is adequate; if you’re looking for something significant or worthwhile, just pop in something from either artist’s back catalog. After one listen, you may either feel satisfied or completely distraught with how the album just coasts by, leaving a not as pleasing feeling unlike those felt when listening to Waka’s boisterous 2010 solo album, or Gucci’s well-received 2009 solo album.

If you like being bombarded with constant reminders of the artist you’re listening to, production that imitates rather than originates and rhymes that are lackluster and stale, this may be the album for you. Ferrari Boyz zooms right through, leaving no traces of innovation, and a road full of skid marks.

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Media

2P Unleashes The Rapture with Kelly Rowland, Gucci Mane, Bobby V & More! Original Beats from FatBoi, Pretty Boy & Bradd Young, Nappy Boy Productions & More!

2P Unleashes The Rapture with Kelly Rowland, Gucci Mane, Bobby V & More! Original Beats from FatBoi, Pretty Boy & Bradd Young, Nappy Boy Productions & More!

Tampa, FL — Since parting ways from Cash Money Records in 2010, Florida lyricist 2Pistols is rebranding with a new name and vibrant cross-genre sound. As many music fans know, 2Pistols experienced great success with the now platinum-selling T-Pain-assisted single “She Got It”, which made the Top 10 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and hit #2 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart.

Now known simply as 2P, the young songwriter is debuting a fresh collection of music on The Rapture, via his own Blood Money Union imprint in association with Get Dat Up Entertainment. Currently, 2P’s single “I Love Myself” featuring singer Jovi Rockwell is being picked up by a multitude of radio stations, and his latest Bradd Young and Pretty Boy-produced single “Krazy in Love” featuring Kelly Rowland is garnering praise from media and fans alike.

Of course both tracks appear on The Rapture, and other original songs on the project feature appearances from the likes of Gucci Mane, Rich Boy, Bobby V and more, backed by talented producers like FatBoi (Jeezy, Gucci Mane, Flo-Rida), Kane Beatz (Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Trick Daddy, Lupe Fiasco) and T-Pain’s Nappy Boy Productions.

2P signed with Justice League in 2007 after gaining experience as an event promoter and vital industry dot-connector in the areas surrounding his hometown of Tarpon Springs, Florida. The Justice League’s distribution through Universal Republic granted 2P the ability to reach new fans, and the reception to his artistry was impressive as “She Got It” fired up radio shows across the nation.

In 2009, the combination of his budding music career and undeniable hustle caught the eye of Cash Money Records, and though his time with the label was brief, 2P took some valuable life lessons with him for the next stage of his career.

“Cash Money showed me how to record my music on a national level, and to fully express myself through songwriting,” explains 2P. “I also learned that it needs to be business first, friends later in this game. Also, Universal Republic started my career. They have the #1 radio team so far – I haven’t seen anybody work a 2P record on their level. I have much love and respect for them all – you wouldn’t know me if they didn’t take a chance.”

A new album is in the works, promising even more huge features and noteworthy production. In the meantime, 2P is celebrating the release of The Rapture on many levels, and the prospect of reaching more new fans globally is exciting to him.

“Not that I’ve been gone long, but this is my come back,” explains 2P. “I feel like this is definitely going to set me apart from the other artists that I have been compared to in the past. I’m here to stay, so get used to me!”

The Rapture download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/n92e00

The Rapture track list

01. Intro
02. I Ain’t Gotta Talk – prod. by Vibe
03. Alotta Dat – prod. by Bolo
04. Blow’n Money – prod. by DJ Woogie
05. Get Money or Die ft. Rich Kidd Shawty – prod. by Rich Kidd Shawty
06. Euros, Pesos, Dollars ft. Gucci Mane – prod. by Kane Beats
07. Can You Hear Me – prod. by Young Cooley
08. What I Really Want – prod. by Nappy Boy Productions
09. 2P Speaks
10. I Love Myself ft. Jovi Rockwell – prod. by Get Fresh
11. Roll Up ft. Ewwl D & Richie Wess – prod. by Richie Wess
12. It’s Over ft. Rich Boy (RMX)
13. On to the Next One (freestyle)
14. 2P Explains
15. Arrogant – prod. by Young Cooley
16. Private Dancer ft. Shawty – prod. by Vinnie Beatz
17. Down to Ride ft. Young Joe – prod. by Vibe
18. Krazy in Love ft. Kelly Rowland – prod. by Bradd Young & Pretty Boy
19. U Can Have It All ft. Bobby V – prod. by FatBoi
20. 2P Speaks
21. U Ain’t Wanna Be – prod. by DJ Lil Kee
22. You Scared ft. Shawty – prod. by Sept

ABOUT 2P

In the past decade, artists from the South have added an addictive urban twist to pop music around the world. From Cee-Lo and Andre 3000 to Flo-Rida and Pitbull, dance floors everywhere have ignited with mashups of hip hop, rock, pop, dance, soul and world music in futuristic ways. Since his debut in 2008, Florida native 2P (formerly known as 2Pistols) has been creating his own vision of new era urban pop.

Now independent from Cash Money, 2P is reveling in the opportunity to release his own brand of musical passion. His new single “I Love Myself” fuses early ‘90s alternative rock and 21st century Hip Hop for some radio-friendly fare.

While 2P has been open about his troubled past, the young lyricist admits that the full scope of his experiences has brought him to a better place in life. After balancing dreams of sports and songwriting as a teen, 2P took up with some illegal dealings that led him to incarceration and eventually probation. By 2006, he was promoting concerts and nightclub events in his home of Tarpon Springs, Florida and surrounding areas near Tampa.

Always locked in on his desire to perform, 2P built a network of local music industry professionals, DJs and artists, which he dubbed Blood Money Union. The young songwriter’s musical track record eventually caught the eye of the Justice League, which led to a distribution situation with Universal Republic in 2007.

By 2008, 2Pistol’s T-Pain assisted single “She Got It” was at #7 on the Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and hit #2 on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart. By 2009, 2P signed to Cash Money Records, and opted for independence in 2010.

In addition to learning the high stakes of business in the past few years, 2P has also seen his personal life blossom in ways he never thought possible.

“I feel that I see life through a different pair of eyes now – I see what life should be like,” 2P asserts. “I feel very blessed to know that a small town guy with a big city hustle can beat the odds if he sets his mind to it. Because of my experiences, I’ve also got a better relationship with my daughter. I really made an impact on her by becoming successful, and she knows that she can become anything she wants to become.”

Every good artist will credit mentors in their careers, and 2P found that some of his most valuable life advice came from prolific songwriter and producer David Banner when they toured together.

“Banner said to me, ‘God can give it and God can take it away – it’s all about what you do with it when he gives it to you’,” recalls 2P. “Knowing that a person that sold 20 times more records than me can still be human, not let the limelight control them and still keep God first is amazing. That’s why personally, I’m humble. But musically, I’m arrogant!”

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Reviews

Gucci Mane The Return Of Mr. Zone 6 album review

Debuting in 2005 Gucci Mane has become a key member of mainstream Hip-hop. Starting off with Trap House Gucci showed his rapping abilities on songs such as “Icy” with Young Jeezy. Following Trap House Gucci became even bigger with The State vs. Radric Davis, and hit songs like “Wasted,” “Spotlight,” “Bingo” and “Lemonade,” which has been used by rappers Big Sean, Yelawolf and Bun B, just to name a few. The Return Of Mr. Zone 6 continues with Gucci’s Southern-bred Hip-hop, backed by producers Drumma Boy, Southside and Zaytoven.

“Money and the power” begins Gucci in the title track “24 Hours.” Gucci’s delivery is smooth throughout this song, but what really sticks out is the dark-sounding production behind it. Describing a day out of his life Gucci talks about “Bluntin’ like Marley” and “Bein’ like Ice-T.” The comparisons to other musicians, along with his fun delivery, make this introduction song that much more enjoyable.

Gucci enlists the help of Birdman to create the thug anthem “Mouth Full Of Golds” that has one of the most memorable hooks ever. Add humorous lines like “Please pardon me, but I’m passin’ gas” and Birdman’s rhymes, and you’ve got yourself a track that keeps Gucci’s fun delivery going.

“I Don’t Love Her”  talks about things that Gucci loves about his women. With an eerie-like organ and xylophone sound and guest appearances by Rocko and Webbie, the song keeps the idea of thug romance in check. The tracks and their title names get better as the album progresses.

“Pancakes” continues the formula of eerie-sounding production, smooth delivery and memorable hooks as Gucci connects the breakfast food with victory. “Patty cake, patty cake, I hop around with pancakes” sings Gucci throughout the chorus. Definitely one of the more catchier songs on the album “Pancakes” showcases Gucci’s creativity. A reference to a classic nursery rhyme, a metaphor between pancakes and victory and a creepy-like beat make this track stick out over other tracks.

Ending with the track “Trick Or Treat” Gucci enlists the help of Slim Dunkin, Wooh Da Kid and Waka Flocka Flame to talk about orange Camaros, AK’s and making a “Stupid horror scene.” Along with its spooky production “Trick Or Treat” seriously sounds like a possible theme song for some horror movie.

Facing charges in late 2010 and also spending some time in a Georgia mental institution Gucci has come through with some very strong tracks and some really great production. Creative synth beats, goofy wordplay and singsong choruses that will get stuck in your head, if you have never been into Gucci and wanted to get into him, this would not be a bad place to start. If you are expecting insightful lyrics or a reflection on his prison sentences, be forewarned: you will not get any of that. You will get brilliant punchlines that, if you are familiar with pop culture icons of the last 21 century, will leave you laughing at Gucci’s wordplay. So, check out Gucci’s latest album and enjoy the tracks. The clever delivery and eerie production will appeal to both Gucci fans and newcomers alike.

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Press Releases Videos

The HoodStarz Controversy Unleashed October 5! with David Banner, Gucci Mane, Red Cafe, Messy Marv & More! “Focus on the Money” Video Coming This Week

The HoodStarz Controversy Unleashed October 5! with David Banner, Gucci Mane, Red Cafe, Messy Marv & More! “Focus on the Money” Video Coming This Week

San Francisco, CA — On Tuesday, October 5, Bay Area duo The HoodStarz (also known as Dem HoodStarz) will unleash their new studio album Controversy on Lawless Records. The project features appearances from David Banner, Gucci Mane, Red Cafe, Messy Marv, Selau, Big Rich and more.

Executive produced by The HoodStarz members Band-Aide and Scoot, the 17-track LP is laced with beats from both industry mainstays and fresh faces including David Banner, Zaytoven (Jeezy, Nicki Minaj, Gucci Mane), Erk Tha Jerk (Too $hort, San Quinn), Sean T (E-40, Juvenile), Johnny Juliano (Birdman, Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa), Klypso (Aftermath) and D-Animals (E-40, various MTV/VH1 shows).

Upon the release of Controversy this week, The HoodStarz will debut the video for “Focus on the Money,” the next Johnny Juliano-produced single from the album. They will follow with the David Banner-featured video “Laughin,” which Banner also produced.

Watch The HoodStarz video for the club-friendly “It Got Me” with a cameo from E-40:

Controversy Tracklist

01. They Ain’t Know – prod. by Klypso
02. Always Yappin’ ft. Messy Marv – prod. by Sean T
03. I’m Cool – prod. by The HoodStarz
04. Focus on the Money – prod. by Johnny Juliano
05. Hold Me Down ft. Selau – prod. by D-Animals
06. Laughin’ ft. David Banner – prod. by David Banner
07. It’s So Real – prod. by D-Animals
08. Put The Hood On ft. Young Lott – prod. by D-Animals
09. Message – prod. by Stagmata
10. Come With Me – prod. by Iconz
11. Officer Please ft. Silk-E – prod. by The Mechanics
12. It Got Me – prod. by Stagmata
13. Ballin’ ft. Red Cafe – prod. by Erk Tha Jerk
14. Got A Problem ft. Gucci Mane – prod. by Zaytoven
15. One Day ft. Big Rich & Selau – prod. by Jeffro
16. Live Illegal ft. Husalah – prod. by Cinematik
17. That’s What I Am ft. G-Boyee – prod. by Klypso

ABOUT THE HOODSTARZ

First there was Digital Undergound, MC Hammer and Tupac; then E-40 and Too$hort. Now the Bay Area brings us the hottest new artists from the region in the dynamic duo The HoodStarz! Members Band-Aide and Scoot Dogg, both from Northern California, anxiously prepare for the release of their newest effort Controversy, slated for release on October 5, 2010 via their own Lawless Records.

The HoodStarz new single “Laughin” features and is produced by multi-platinum artist David Banner, and there are already five videos filmed from the album. With a synonymous history of life changing events, illegal rumors, extravagant public ordeals and an all-star bay of even more reputable features including Gucci Mane, Red Cafe, Messy Marv, Selau, Big Rich certifies the album title Controversy to fit The HoodStarz like a glove.

Known for their party-popping high energy songs throughout the western region, The HoodStarz (aka Dem HoodStarz) have decided to expand their bandwidth and share their feel good music worldwide. In 2005, the group released their debut Hood Reality. From that album, they released a song called “Grown Man” produced by Traxamillion that became an overnight hit in the streets and a smash hit on local radio stations, including world-renowned KMEL.

As the awareness of the group began to swiftly increase, the demand for show performances paralleled. Promoters throughout the west coast began to notice the elevated and charismatic performance style of The HoodStarz. In 2006 the duo released Band-Aide & Scoot, and for the very first time in their career they proved to be easily recognizable.

Between the radio airplay, sold-out shows and consistent album sales, the group was encouraged to keep producing more music. “Scoot and I were both in two different groups when we first began, but once we met in high school and found it second nature to complete each others rhymes, we knew then we were on to something… and the people could feel it too,” says Band-Aide aka SolidSolid.

Just a year later in 2007, the two released a mixtape Bay Area All-Starz, providing yet another success story to their growing discography. The mixtape reaffirmed their rap chemistry, as they captured larger audiences with their comedic ability to seize listeners while acquiring an entirely new fan base.

“As artists we’re avid entertainers that love the stage, but a lot of people don’t know we’re also actors – we had a few small movie rolls in addition to our self-directed music videos,” explains Scoot Dogg aka Blakk Boi.

Just this year The HoodStarz released yet another mixtape under popularDJ Fresh’s series Tonight Show, but it is the anticipated date of October 5, 2010 that will morph and merge past and present, and align new fans with the release of Controversy.

“This is an album that fans will be still be listening to five years from now,” explains Band-Aide. “In this world of reality TV we live in, Scoot and I decided to provide fans a musical reality show with non-scripted adventures of disappointing times and celebrated hours in our daily life.

The HoodStarz are ready and set to turn another corner inside of the music industry as they present their latest musical, vivid, verbal picture of what they pronounce as “Controversy.”

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DJ Drama Press Releases

DJ DRAMA RETURNS WITH ALL-STAR COLLECTION; “GANGSTA GRILLZ: THE ALBUM VOL. 2” BLENDS WORLD FAMOUS DJ’S MIXTAPE STYLE WITH ORIGINAL TRACKS; AMONG THE SPECIAL GUESTS ARE T.I., SNOOP DOGG, AKON, FLO RIDA, GUCCI MANE, TREY SONGZ, AND BUN B; “GANGSTA GRILLZ: THE ALBUM VOL. 2” IS OUT NOW

DRAMA RETURNS WITH ALL-STAR COLLECTION; “GANGSTA GRILLZ: THE ALBUM VOL. 2” BLENDS WORLD FAMOUS DJ’S MIXTAPE STYLE WITH ORIGINAL TRACKS; AMONG THE SPECIAL GUESTS ARE T.I., SNOOP DOGG, AKON, FLO RIDA, GUCCI MANE, TREY SONGZ, AND BUN B; “GANGSTA GRILLZ: THE ALBUM VOL. 2” IS OUT NOW

Aphilliates/Grand Hustle/Atlantic recording artist Drama has announced this week’s release of his eagerly anticipated new album, “GANGSTA GRILLZ: THE ALBUM VOL. 2.” The collection – which features the banging hit single, “Day Dreaming (Feat. Akon, Snoop Dogg, and T.I.)” – is available in stores and online now.

The ATL-based Drama is known far and wide for his legendary “Gangsta Grillz” mixtapes. “GANGSTA GRILLZ: THE ALBUM VOL. 2” continues in the same flowing formula as 2007’s “GANGSTA GRILLZ: THE ALBUM,” with all-new original material that gathers together a veritable who’s-who of modern hip-hop. Among the rap icons included are Flo Rida, Gucci Mane, Trey Songz, LA the Darkman, OJ Da Juiceman, Bun-B, Nas, Ludacris, The-Dream, Busta Rhymes, Too $hort, Lil Boosie, Yo Gotti, and Willie the Kid. Production comes from such studio luminaries as Drumma Boy, Zaytoven, and Affiliates in-house beat maker V12 Da Hitman.

“This album broadens the movement and just brings good music to the table,” says Drama. “With the albums, mixtapes and artists, I’m keeping the music alive for those who are coming up under us and representing hip-hop. I don’t want to make it too complicated. It’s just about giving everybody something to ride to and giving them what they want.”

“Day Dreaming (Feat. Akon, Snoop Dogg, and T.I.)” has proven a major Urban radio success, while the track’s companion video clip is in rotation at BET. The album’s new single, “Ridiculous (Feat. Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti & Lonnie Mac),” is impacting now at Urban outlets nationwide.

Drama can be seen spinning on two upcoming installments of BET’s 106 & Park, slated for Wednesday, May 20th and Friday, May, 22nd. What’s more, he will be DJing at T.I.’s hugely anticipated farewell concert, set for this Sunday, May 24th, at Atlanta’s Philips Arena.

For up-to-the-minute news and information, please see Drama’s official MySpace page, www.myspace.com/djdrama.

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UGK Videos Young Joc

Willie The Kid – Love For Money video featuring Trey Songz, Gucci Mane, LA The Darkman, Yung Joc and Bun B from the album/mixtape Absolute Greatness (Gangsta Grillz)

Willie The Kid – Love For Money video featuring Trey Songz, Gucci Mane, LA The Darkman, Yung Joc and Bun B from the album/mixtape Absolute Greatness (Gangsta Grillz)