Nicki Minaj | Beam Me Up Scotty [Mixtape]

I didn't get my first real look at Nicki Minaj until last night when I was watching The Deal. Up until then I had dismissed her as just another female M.C., which she is, but there's something about Nicki that I can't quite put my finger on.

I'm not sure if it's the "unique" manner in which she raps or what. All I know is that no other female M.C. in the game right now has as much of a buzz as Nicki and that's saying a lot, especially with Lil' Kim trying her damnedest to become relevant again.

Whether she will or not remains to be seen but, for know, Nicki Minaj seems primed to make a name for herself and Lil' Wayne's Young Money is the perfect team to allow her to do so. In the meantime, Nicki's latest mixtape, Beam Me Up Scotty, is something like a problem. Do yourself a favor and check it out for yourself.

Track listing
——————————————
01. Intro
02. I Get Crazy (Feat. Lil’ Wayne)
03. Itty Bitty Piggy
04. Slumber Party (Feat. Gucci Mane)
05. Kill Da DJ
06. Mind On My Money (Feat. Brinx & Busta Rhymes)
07. Shopaholic
08. Still I Rise
09. Go Hard (Feat. Lil’ Wayne)
10. Nicki Minaj Speaks
11. Best I Ever Had (Feat. Drake)
12. Handstand (Feat. Shannell)
13. Keys Under Palm Trees
14. Get Silly
15. Easy (Feat. Gucci Mane & Rocko)
16. Five-O (Feat. Jae Millz & Gudda Gudda)
17. Nicki Minaj Speaks
18. I Feel Free (Feat. Ron Browz, Red Cafe, & Ricki Blaze)
19. Can Anybody Hear Me
20. Girls Kissing Girls (Feat. Gucci Mane)
21. Envy
22. Outro
23. Beam Me Up Scotty

[Click here to download]

Drake | Best I Ever Had [Video]

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

The commercial press for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is [somewhat] misleading if you ask me. Not only is this film a microcosm of its stellar predecessor, but that same wonderment that came along with it seems to be replaced with a convoluted plot that extends beyond nothing more than a multitude of slow motion explosions and just another opportunity to sell more action figures.

Which is quite the reality that is Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Albeit ravenous fan boys will argue in its defense; the fact of the matter is that this film is just not very good. Nothing about it makes any more special than summer blockbusters of years past; and it's disappointing in a sense to see such a well established franchise such as Transformers sell its own soul for the sake of a dollar. It just doesn't make sense (literally or figuratively) and I solely place the blame on the shoulders of Michael Bay.

His vision for over-the-top action sequences has become a proverbial crutch throughout his career and, after a while, the monotony of it all starts to wear ridiculously thin. Still, it was I that praised Michael Bay for finding the perfect balance the first time around and, in watching this sequel, I could hardly get a feel for what the director was trying to get across on screen. Save for the racial undertones perhaps, Megan Fox's significant screen time was the only other thing that was obvious; and what can I say, I was just not impressed much by that either.

But in every dark cloud lies a silver lining, I suppose, and one movie will do little to tarnish Transformers as a bankable entity. Besides, the first film had a strong enough foundation to garner this film a pass; and I fully expect Michael Bay and company to right the ship the next time around. Well...at least one could only hope anyway.

Rating: 2 ½ inkblots out of 5

The Theory of Relativity According To Cali & Prancer

Girl on girl is a wonderful thing, especially if those girls happen to be Cali & Prancer. Far be it from me, however, to assume anything here; but thank God for MediaTakeOut! It's because of them that every man's fantasy has come true (well, maybe just mine) and I think we owe them for FINALLY posting something worthy of our time.

Seriously though, I'm not surprised that Cali & Prancer have continued along with their explicit exploits; so the whole shock and awe of something like this leaking has long since worn off. Besides, this is kind of mild mannered as compared to the other celebrity "sex" scandals that have been popping up as of late and I think people need to wake up and realize a publicity stunt when they see one.

Both Cali & Prancer are fully aware of what their doing and it's a shame that it takes something like this for them to stay relevant. It just goes to show that some people can manage their 15 minutes of fame better than others and, last I checked, this road leads to nowhere.

[Click here to view more pics]

Rihanna's "Wet" Umbrella May Actually Belong To Lavish Styles

Which would probably explain all the Rihanna sex tape rumors that have been popping up as of late. Not to mention, the salacious pics that were leaked onto the Internet a few weeks back.

Now, seeing that Rihanna hasn't directly responded to any of the aforementioned; I find it unnerving almost that people actually believed it to be her! Hell, I almost did until I remembered myself that she had a porno doppelganger; but never once did I actually believe that any of this was legit. Maybe for a moment or two, yes, but Lavish Styles has been milking her resemblance to Rihanna ever since she came onto the scene and it doesn't surprise me that she's doing so even harder now.

But, still, you have to hand it to her. The similarities between the two are only slightly mirrored by the fact that one holds a microphone for a living and the other holds a certain(*cough* cough *) part of the male anatomy. But is that any reason to scream foul? Both rely on heavy breathing and breath control when you think about it and as fucked up and underlying as that sounds, the truth could never be more stimulating. Now, how's that for irony?

Keri Hilson Wins Best New Artist @ BET Awads '09

BET actually got a few things right this year and I was more than pleased to see Keri Hilson take home the award for Best New Artist.

None of the other nominees in the category deserved it outright, in my opinion, and I see this as validation for all the hard work Keri has put in over the years.

Her debut album, In A Perfect World, was easily one of the best debuts in recent memory and it's rare to find an artist, let alone one that gained notoriety as more of a songwriter, that is able to have this much success their first time out.

If you don't believe me, just ask Ryan Leslie. He, too, is an underrated talent that is only now starting to make a name for himself; but, if given some time, his success can match that of Keri Hilson's also. Besides, his talent is too good for him not too.

But that's another blog in itself. Keri gave a very inspired performance as well on Sunday and I thought she managed to pay tribute to Michael Jackson better than some of the more well-established artists (i.e. Beyonce). Other than that, I was pleased overall with everything Keri had to offer and, who knows, maybe this award/award show will be something that ultimately pushes her career to that next level.

The-Dream's Shotcaller Interview/Photoshoot with Complex Magazine

Trey Songz | Anticipation [Mixtape]

[Click here to download]

Trey Songz has been putting in a lot of time in the studio as of late and I'm really feeling what he has to offer right about now. He absolutely killed the Ocean's 7 mixtape he was on and this solo mixtape of his, Anticipation, will surely hold over fans of his until Ready hits stores this August.

Tracklisting
——————————————

01. Famous
02. Showerlude
03. Scratching Me Up
04. Does She Know
05. Indefintely
06. You Belong To Me
07. More Than That
08. On Top
09. It Would Be
10. Make It Rain
11. Yo Side Of The Bed
12. She Ain’t My Gurl
13. Successful (Live) (Feat. Drake)

¤ I ♥ Chic-fil-A ¤

"My name is Trimaine Irby and I'm addicted to Chic-fil-A".

Sounds sort of like an A-A introduction, doesn't it? But, seriously though, I'm absolutely enamored when it comes to Chic-fil-A. Every time I go to Dothan, I try to make it a point to eat there and it makes no sense for us not to have one in Enterprise!

I mean, how "convenient" is it that we can have two pharmacy's right across from one another; yet, @ the same time, have a very limited selection when it comes to food? That shit makes no sense whatsoever and it bothers me because the closest Chic-fil-A is a tie between Dothan & Troy.

Quite the dilemma I mind you but I guess the silver lining in all this is that I plan to attend Troy in the fall...at least then I'll be able to enjoy Chic-fil-A @ my heart's discretion. I just feel like I shouldn't have to had settled in order to do so.

-T.I.

Jay-Z | D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune) [Video]

Pleasure P | Under [Video]

Dr Jays Ad Campaign Featuring Nicki Minaj

[Click images for larger view]

Couples Retreat [Trailer]

Ciara Covers Rap-Up Magazine

[Click image for larger view]

In spite of the fact that Ciara has an incredible album out right now entitled Fantasy Ride, I think the popular consensus towards her will always be that she doesn't have much talent outside of sex appeal.

Which isn't true. Songs like "LoveSexMagic" and "Never Ever" are evidence enough of the talent she possesses; and it's really unfair how people unjustly criticize her career. There's absolutely nothing wrong with sticking with what works and it almost makes you wonder how better off some of these other artists would be if they, too, followed that same way of thinking.

B.o.B. Vs. Bobby Ray [Mixtape]

Out of this recent XXL Freshman class, B.o.B. has the most potential to be great to me. Don't ask why. I just feel like he has more to offer than a lot of these other up and coming artists (aside from Drake) and, so far, the framework for his success has been his mixtapes. I haven't heard any of the previous two, but this new mixtape is on point. Click the link above to download and see for yourself.

Track listing
——————————————
01. B.o.B – Intro
02. B.o.B – Patron & Swag Freestyle
03. B.o.B – One (feat. Big Kuntry & Mac Boney) (Produced by Fury)
04. B.o.B – My Sweet Baby (Produced by Fury)
05. B.o.B – Change Gonna Come (feat. Asher Roth & Charles Hamilton) (Produced by Fury)
06. B.o.B – Do You Have The Stamina (feat. Kanye West) (Produced by B.o.B)
07. B.o.B – I Am The Man (feat. OJ Da Juiceman & Bun B) (Produced by Fury)
08. B.o.B – Say What You Want (feat. Playboy Tre & Killer Mike) (Produced by Fury)
09. B.o.B – Voltage (feat. Playboy Tre & Mickey Factz) (Produced by B.o.B)
10. B.o.B – I’m That Nigga (feat. T.I.) (Produced by Fury)
11. B.o.B – Fly Like Me (Produced by Red Spyda)
12. Bobby Ray – Intermission
13. Bobby Ray – Satellite (Produced by Bobby Ray)
14. Bobby Ray – Wonderland (Produced by Bobby Ray & Eastsiders)
15. Bobby Ray – Mr. Bobby (Produced by Bobby Ray)
16. Bobby Ray – Trippin’ (Produced by Bobby Ray)
17. Bobby Ray – Goodnite (Produced by Bobby Ray)
18. Bobby Ray – Camera (Produced by Big Toombs)
19. Bobby Ray – No Mans Land (Produced by Bobby Ray)
20. Bobby Ray – Put Me On (Produced by Bobby Ray)
21. Bobby Ray – Already There (Produced by Bobby Ray)
22. B.o.B & Bobby Ray – Outro

[Click here to download]

Jesikah Maximus | Black Lingerie Spread in SHOW Magazine

[Click here to view more pics]
Is this not the prototypical white girl, if ever there was one? Unless my eyes deceive me, I'd say yes; but I think it's been pretty much established that I have a "thing" for Jesikah Maximus.

Dawn & Que's Alter Egos

I've never understood the relationship between Dawn and Que but, nevertheless, the two seem absolutely in sync with one another. That being said, that same [organic] chemistry is what makes this latest photo shoot of theirs work and I'm really curious to see what will come of Dawn's solo career.

Ever since the Danity Kane break-up she's been in limbo; along with the rest of the girls, I suppose, but Dawn has everything she needs to make it on her own. My only word of advice is that she drop Que. Dude is the definition of bi-polar and the last thing she needs is another "Aubrey" to tear her down.

[Dawn & Que | Image 1] [Dawn & Que | Image 2] [Dawn & Que | Image 3]

Busta Rhymes Feat. Big Tigger | If You Don't Know, Now You Know [Video]

Dwight Howard Chosen As Cover Athlete For NBA Live 2010

Dwight Howard may not have won an NBA Championship, but this is a good look for him to be chosen as the cover athlete for NBA Live 2010. A lot of the previous players to have graced the cover have gone on to win(if not compete for) an NBA title and with the Magic being a relatively young team, I see them contending for years to come.

It's just disappointing that things didn't work out for him this year. The Los Angeles Lakers were a much better team and regardless of what anybody says, experience played a key role in this series; especially in late game situations.

I shutter to think how much of a difference the series would've been had Courtney Lee made that lay up @ the end of game 2 or if Derek Fisher misses one of the clutch three's he hit in game 4. A few bounces of the ball here or there may have yielded a much different result but it is what it is.

In the meantime, NBA Live 2010 will be in stores this fall.

Yung La | Futuristic Love [Video]