EURweb.com - Black Entertainment | Black News | Urban News | Hip Hop News | Black Entertainment
Sun, Nov 22, 2009

Newsletter Sign-up:

News on Michael Jackson, 50 Cent, Beyonce & More

EURweb
Back to the Article » Click Here
Click here to post your comments.
Name: soulmusic101
Comment: I hear you L.L. but the new Jay Z CD is a Classic, now that I have heard the CD in it's entirety. "Blue Magic" and "I Know" produced by Pharrell are now my cut's and have grown on me. And I am glad that every Def Jam Artist was not included on the release...Nas and Beanie S. are enough. Also really feelin "American Dreamin", Ignorant Sh*t, "Success", and "Fallin" featuring Bilal.
Name: nycGYRL888
Comment: I can understand where LL is coming from. It sounds to the world like he's "hatin'" on Jay but in reality he wants the man to do the job he signed on to do! I love Jay and LL but there are NEW artists that need to be nurtuted and brought to the forefront so they to have the chance to become the Jay's & LL's of the world. LL has been in the game long enough to know how to make his own shyt happen (I'm sure), but as PRESIDENT of a company, at some point you will have to put the mic down and handle business accordingly!! These fake-out retirements are uncalled for (in my opinion). Either you are staying in, or staying out...you can't do both! That "straddlin' the fence" mentality never goes over well with me at all! L you'll just have to do you for now. You are not a newbie so just do the dammm thang and Jay...shyt or get off the pot!!!
Name: nightshift
Comment: This is going to get ugly!!
Name: PEACHES4U
Comment: In interviews, Sean will 'present' that he is a 'business man.' That said by him, and knowing the entertainment business, I must concur with some of LL's statements, specifically in his presentation of Sean's lack of experience in running a music label. Moreover, just because Sean has made some change in the industry himself, doesn't mean he will do so for every artist or that he 'knows' a hit when he hears it. THAT is a tremendous problem in the american music arena: so-called producers, et al are so wrapped up in 'hits' that the music-- real music gets lost.
Name: PEACHES4U
Comment: NOTE: 'change' meaning money.
Name: giantsfan
Comment: This is sad. LL's music career is reduced to nothing, and its HIS fault. He wants to blame Jay to avoid the fact that nobody wants to here his whole"ladies man" rap anymore. The funny thing is, he complains about Jay being an artist and running the label, but then he lets 50 cent executive produce his next cd. WTF????
Name: Cappaucino
Comment: Sorry but LL is Right! A good album only proves Jayz's Success as an artist not a president. The Prez is rated by the entite success of the company which has been a complete failure. What about the other artist on the label? So what if the album is a classic I am sure every song up there is not a hit. Ever since he took over Def Jam it has been all about Jayz. I like Jay and the album is tight but his job is not to look out for himself, his job is take make sure the artist and the label are also successful. He is starvin the artist on the label trust anybody that knows the industry knows this is not a good look.
Name: McNasty
Comment: The man has a valid point!
Name: yardi76
Comment: LL has a severe case of sour grapes. Everyone knows he wanted to head Def Jam and he was not selected or barely even considered for the job, he has little to no business gumption. Jay was picked because he had proven his ability to make little things become big things, also his influence over the industry had to play a part. LL's time has come and gone, his one trick tear off his shirt pony has simply ran the course. He complains about Jay but his new comrad 50 cent does the same thing. Jay's job is to make sure that Def Jam makes money and if him putting out an album makes Def Jam money then shareholders are happy, they could care less who puts out an album but if the money is coming in then they smile. LL's last few projects have been a bust and I feel that he has enrolled in the 50 cent school of thought meaning "create a beef so that a buzz will start". Jay has already said he has no interest in fueding with LL, so everyone should relax and make music. IT'S THE ROC!!!!!!!!!!
Name: golfebj
Comment: Mr. Smith is absolutely correct. Jay-Z has done nothing but promote himself since taking over the realm at Def Jam. Truth be told...if Kanye wasn't making the money he has been making Jay wouldn't be supporting him either. What happened to Chrisette Michelle, Redman, Methodman, Ne-Yo, Rick Ross, Ghostface and everyone else on the label? Jay-Z is a P-Diddy who can flow. Constant self promotion while the rest of the artist on the label with wonderful talent get shuffled around his release schedule. You put your album out behind one of the most talked about movies of the year...what about the rest of the label? Todd Smith is not afraid to tell the truth.
Name: giantsfan
Comment: Didnt Ne-Yo and Rihanna become stars under Jay?? LL's career was dead and stinkin before Jay got there. Wasnt L %*$!(en and moanin about not getting a cut of the label when Lyor and Kevin Lyles were in charge???
Name: Industrypro
Comment: While I am big supporter of Jayz I think that LL has a valid point. Whenever you have an artist running a label his priority will always be his career. I think its a big time conflict of interest. Besides there are so many qualified music industry executives out there who could definitely do a more balanced job.
Name: 1VAsweetsexy
Comment: I understand LL but if more artists and producers put as much effort in their music rather than hatin' on others..LL is upset about not getting the President position...And there isn't anything wrong with Jay putting out another hit album...
Name: CandyCane
Comment: I feel where LL is coming from. Jay is too promoting shitty artist like Rhianna and Neyo, and forgetting about all those people who were on Def Jam before. DMX, LL, and so on. I know he ain't dissing Jay, but he's upset with the situation and the fact that his album can't be promote, because there's "more important" on the label who have to get their shine on, including "supposably retired from the rap game" Jigga Man
Name: realuvbaby
Comment: Well if AG does well, J will get the credit; if it fails, J will get the blame. JZ's timing to hit the industry wa right is all. Timing is everything. Sour grapes? Reality??? sounds like a lil bit of both. Don't hate the playa hate the game.
Name: DrKnowItAll
Comment: LL is right. He practically built Def Jam. He is the reason the label blew up and became hip hop's premier label in late 80's and 90's. He should have got a chance to lead this label before Jay.
Name: Sigmatherunner
Comment: LL you are sounding like one the people from high school who mad that time has passed by. (Your around away girl days are over) Jay-Z this moniker of CEO is joke think about it, you are still putting out CD’s (That would be like Bill Gates cleaning the toilets over at Microsoft) maybe if you wasn’t busy running around and along with not signing real talent(like you would know what that is) the powers that be wouldn’t be cracking the whip for you to go back into the studio.
Name: Cappaucino
Comment: yardi76 I have to disagree while investors are concerned with making money they are more concerned with long term investment profitability. It's like haveing a company and only tending to one customer bcuz he pays really well and tips and sends xmas hams. You neglect your other customers and when that customer leaves your stuck. Investors like options and there was some talk earlier in the year of Jermaine Dupri coming to Def Jam to be head of another Division or something so don't sleep it aint all good with Jay.
Name: Teigh
Comment: No it ain't all good with Jay I think it's really an issue of how to handle it in the press. If my memory serves me correct the contract will be up soon (the contract for his role as President). What has he done across the board? -- not much. If Universal paid for star power and postering then it was a good investment. But in the era of the music industry being reduced to software -- the Jigga effect just ain't enough. While LL may still want to rap trust me Todd don't need the money, wasn't aware he wanted to run to Def Jam, but if you look at it from a completely business perspective LL has a point. If two CEO's of major banks recently lost their jobs due to the sub prime mortgage mess == than how does Universal justify keeping Jay as CEO when they are suffering losses too? They "Hey I'll add a verse and do a remix" is getting VERY OLD!!!!
Name: soulmusic101
Comment: Again...L.L. has a point but how long has L.L. been makin music? Be thankful you stayed relevant for that long. Oh and J has done wonder's for his main chick's career. Don't hate the Playa hate the game. Most Rapper's from L.L.'s era have moved on. Here is some advice LL, reinvent yourself by asking Timbo to do your whole CD. What happened to L's acting career?
Name: katgrrrl
Comment: Hmmm... I can see where LL's comin' from. IMO, he just sounds like a frustrated artist, not a hater. Then again, if he's that unhappy, why not take his talent elsewhere; make someone else rich if he's sure that it's the label's fault, that is.
Name: Southernbelle
Comment: Makes you go ummm.
Name: recognizelife
Comment: Jayz was hired as a trophy wife...yes, he has some talents and is a very marketable artists but LL is correct....True, LL is sour because he didn't get the job; however that doesn't change the fact that what he is saying is true....if it walks like a duck and quacks a duck....ITS A DUCK!
Name: whateva
Comment: I am a LL fan but his last two projects were booty. He claimed that he did not get enough promotion that is why the project failed. LL was promoted to death. It is about time this artist take accountablity for the the garbage the put out. Chrisette Michele did not get a lot of a promotion but her album is so good that she has a nice following.
Name: TesticAl
Comment: soulmusic101, Jay's new cd is dope, but it is FAR from a classic. Too many people throw that word around too much. Now, I love LL (NO HOMO) but he is pretty much irrelevant now. His last 4 albums have sold horribly. Yes he is a legend, but just stop. His last "LYRICAL" song that had star potential was "ILL BOMB". Download that song if you haven't heard it.
Name: KMJW
Comment: I sat and read every post until this point and I must say that the overall spirit of the e-dialogues saddened me. For the most part, majority of posters basically reduced music to an end versus a means for our PEOPLE. I'm not a nutcase that doesn't believe in money because I do. I appreciate money and its benefits and would definitely enjoy more of it. But at the end of the day, OUR music has to be about something more than money. What about the message that is going out from music today - for the most part, it's simply garbage. Nothing to inspire hope or motivation - just something that will get the club jumping and more money into the pockets of those that are not re-investing in OUR communities. It's a sad time for creativity in music. I think heard Lyfe Jennings say this somewhere that most music put out today is disposable and he couldn't have been more right. I often wonder what music will I be playing in my golden years. I always keep coming back to the same small group of artists like New Edition, Boys II Men, Guy, and Keith Sweat. It's really pathetic and sad. I see my older relatives turned on a radio and listen to the Oldies but Goodies and enjoy themselves with endless smiles on their faces. Trust, our generation will not have that same luxury. Who wants to be 50 or 60 years old listening to the garbage that is out now? I know for sure that I won't. I know I'm going to get slammed for this but I don't care. I'm sick and tired of hearing people "cheerlead" for suckers like Jay-Z and 50 Cent that spew detrimental garbage to OUR people. I heard someone say earlier that Jay-Z's new album is a classic. Really? I'm willing to bet my all that 10yrs from now that hardly anyone will remember any song from the album. It was so much a classic that it's not even the official soundtrack of the movie with the same title and this is supposedly from the greatest artist at this point in time. Please!!! While Jay-Z, 50-Cent, and other selfish rappers have far more money, they will NEVER EVER be considered true classics such as Anthony Hamilton, Lyfe Jennings, Angie Scott, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, and others. Reason being that bulls*** is biodegradable and eventually will disintegrate.
Name: TesticAl
Comment: KMJW, U MADD? For starters, I can't believe you compared R&B/Soul singers to rap, you just can't do that. I may be wrong, but you SEEM to dislike rap music, at least current rap. You were DEAD WRONG, when you said 10 years from now that nobody will remember one song from American Gangster. I said that album is not a classic, but it has some memorable songs on it. If people can remember "Rapper's Delight" over 20 years later, what makes you think they won't remember "Roc Boys"? That is a street anthem. Mind you I know Rapper's Delight and that song came out before I thought of.
Name: Fran
Comment: Jay Z is okay, But I dont think LL looks at the big picture. Of course Jay go the position, but you never know what went with it. Like Rocawear and all of his projects probably helped influence the decision. They probably did not want him to compete against them. Everyone knows that Jay nor LL, nor Russell probably runs the real show. YT is always running it and get his huge cut. Jay is probably a yes man on the things he does not know, and no man on things he probably should say yes to. I think the move was more political than about knowledge and skill. And in the end, Jay is not doing anything, that is why he has time to do an album. He is not running the company. Labels just labels. Meanwhile, LL you just try to get out of the contract with Def Jam, they have been jerking you over for a long time. Try to get out is all I can say.
Name: soulmusic101
Comment: TesticAl...LOL...I was moved while sitting down and listening to the entire CD. I am loving it a h.ella lot more than Kingdom Come. Are you listening on a good system or your tinny headphone from your iPod?...LOL
Name: dcdouglass01
Comment: LL makes some good points, including this one: "Let's take this soundtrack for instance; shouldn't there be other Def Jam artists on this soundtrack?" Seems like it's just a showboat project for Jay-Z. On another point though, shouldn't there be a cut-off age limit to be a rapper? Is it just me, or does Jay (and L for that matter) seem a little too old to have his pants hangin' halfway down his azz, leading thousands of teens in some chants?
Name: Fran
Comment: Case in point, its the same thing with 50, 50 landed a multimillion dollar deal with Coke, just before Jay became the pres or close to the same time, Jay sold his rocawear for multimillion dollars. The timing is too strange. If LL lands a multimillion dollar deal he will be made a exec. But either way, its just a trick, they know they dont have the business sense to run a company. Rapping about hoes is not the same as getting a MBA.
Name: soulmusic101
Comment: It is okay to like R And B, Soul, Jazz, and Hip Hop. Why...because I said so...just jokin......
Name: KMJW
Comment: >>TesticAl - I think you missed the gist of my comments...I'm not comparing rappers to R&B singers...I'm comparing the message and value of music and if it just so happens that the R&B singers that I named have a more powerful and purposeful message for OUR community then so be it. I didn't force the rappers and ghost writers to write that foolishness. And now, I don't hate all rap. I love Common, Outkast (outside of the space age pimping which I think is ok some of the time), Mos Def, and others. I just don't like foolishness. Also Rapper's Delight is not a classic because of the lyrics/beat, it's a classic for being one of the first rap songs to do well. Tell me one track on Jay-Z's new album that will stand the test of time like Self Destruction. And yes, I have heard the album - my husband bought the CD on Friday and I had the task of downloading it to the computer and IPOD...lucky me, right?
Name: beegirl
Comment: I give it two months before there is a story on here about how LL was dropped from the label. Three months tops.
Name: soulmusic101
Comment: Man I like Jay Z's swagger...he doesn't care what the Peep's in the "Pulpit" say. You live your life and I will live mine.
Name: TesticAl
Comment: KMJW, I hear you. If you were not comparing rappers to R&B singers, why mention them. I'm not arguing (my rep on here is awful), I'm just saying. R&B and rap have totally different messages. That's why the two shouldn't be compared. "Success" and "Roc Boys" will stand the test of time (IN RAP) because of the delivery, who is in the song, and what it is about. There is no denying that. I'm 27, and I'm sure if I hear Roc Boys twenty years from now I will remember the line"WE DOPE BOYS OF THE YEAR, DRINKS ARE ON THE HOUSE, WE IN THE HOUUUUUUSE!" LMAO! Stuff like that you remember. It's just like "Hip Hop Hooray", you know that song, hell, even my moms knows that song.
Name: TesticAl
Comment: soulmusic, you know us young cats have systems that you can feel in your chest! LOL! Also, for my ipod have some good Philips headphones, not those small gay shyts that come with it! LOL!
Name: KMJW
Comment: >> soulmusic101 - Funny that you said what you said. About two weeks, Dr. Cornel West was lecturing in Houston and told the story about how Jay-Z invited him to his crib in New York. Dr. West said he was so impressed with Jay-Z's crib that he wanted to cry because he understood where Jay-Z came from...the projects. However over the course of dinner that began to dialogue over the importance of music to OUR people and the dis-service that many artists are doing to OUR communities. So if you're last comments about Jay-Z is true and he really doesn't care what people think about him then his most honest response to Dr. West would have been, "Dr. West I greatly respect you but my music is my music and I don't give a damn what anyone says. I'm not changing my music until I feel like changing." But that wasn't his response to Dr. West. Instead his response as noted by Dr. West was that he understands and respects the fact that WE (as in artists) need to do better. However he stated that he and other artists feel trapped by wanting to give a certain group of people what they want and need. DANG, did you get that? They make certain types of music because they know that there is a group of people that like and need to hear garbage. So in the end, even Jay-Z understands the destruction of some of the music that is being played. Hey to each its own (because my husband loves that foolishness as well) but please don't act like I don't have the right to voice MY opinion.
Name: dcdouglass01
Comment: KMJW, I agree. I was throwin' my hands in the air and wavin' 'em like I just didn't care back in the day. And occassionally I'll hear a rap song that sticks to me a bit. Usually though they'll wash over me like water over a duck's back. And I know the hip hoppers like to think they're doing something critical when it comes to music, and indeed there are a few classics they can point to. But mostly it's just a club thang. Which is cool if you happen to be at a club or in a club mood. But when I want/need to hear real music, music that pierces me to my soul, it has to be something with a soulful melody and with lyrics sung by someone who can sang.
Name: golfebj
Comment: Def Jam during Jay-Z's tenure has dropped Redman and traded Musiq Soulchild for Trey Songs... Hhhhhmmmm. Kareem and Dame Dash were the deal makers while Jay-Z was the face. Time will tell... Fran...I agree with you true CEO's don't have the time to cut albums...there too busy promoting the products they are offer, not themselves. Where's Def Soul, Def Jam South and DTP?
Name: 4mybabygirl
Comment: Soulmusic-I agree, Jay Z just has a swagger! I have said it for years. Alot of peope don't know class when they see it. It is not about how cute his face is. It is about your class and personality. Your style and favor. The man just drips swagger and class. He is professional, sexy, classy, and slightly gangster all in one. That is hard to find! Jay is a business man. I think LL is just jealous. By the way, does anyone know how his clothing line is doing? Does he still have one? Now LL is sexy and all. He is just lacking that swagger and intellect that Jay has. How can he knock Jay. He ran Rocfella, Rocawear, shoes, sports teams and so on. Everything he touches turn to GOLD. LL is wrong for this one! Don't talk about the man, hell try to be his best bud! LOL
Name: SouthernYankee
Comment: Thank you LL for speaking out. I'm sure other Def Jam artist want to say something, becuase all this Jay-Z the artist-oh-yeah-I'm-the-exec has got to stop. He tries to overshadow every one of the Def Jam artists. Nas put out an album last year, he had to hurry and put one out right before Nas's release date. Then he takes over the American Gandster soundtrack. Sit down at your desk and work for your artist. You are not Def Jam Jay-Z.
Name: kreemykarmell
Comment: Regardless, LL need to go sit down somewhere and lick his lips. Was Jay the best choice? Who knows, i don't know what their other options were. Has he made mistakes, hell yeah! I'm still mad everytime i turn on the radio i'm hearing no singing rihanna. However, LL needs to come to terms with the fact that nobody wants to listen to him b/c he hasn't had a hit since the 90's. If he hates artist trying to do other jobs, why is he so gung-ho for 50 to do his album? But, i def agree that Jay needs to stop - and please retire. then again, both of them need to retire, take MC Lyte advice and "shut the eff up".
Name: Taurusingr
Comment: It's CRAZY how some people SAY they're NOT something, then in the same breath PROVE THEY ARE THAT SOMETHING with the VERY NEXT words out of their mouths! If L.L. had issue with JAY, Why are we JUST NOW hearing about it? It seems to me, L.L. is just %*$!ed about NOT being on the project! And the last I heard...That IS HATING!! Come on Uncle L...Be a UNCLE not a NEPHEW
Name: Taurusingr
Comment: P.S. JAY Z along with D. Dash DID run Rockafella Records & It was successful! L.L. DID rock the mike (back in the day) But has since taken a "rightful back seat" to those who are rockin the mike now!, A natural progression that has nothing to do with JAY running the company! L.L. has NEVER ran anything except his mouth & THAT doesn't qualify him for anything except HATING!!!
Name: Exmun
Comment: LL has a point. Jay-Z also has a need to justify his job and bring in dollars for the company (short term as they might be). It's important to understand the music climate today has changed from the glory years in the 90s. Digital piracy (illegal downloading) combined by poor poor musicmanship or no musicmanship has left the music industry with a shell of itself. We're going back to the generation of music like the 60s when the '45' single ruled the day. The music industry has just failed to acknowledged this. If an artist is only capable of rocking... really rocking one or two hot singles... then market singles and make sure you put out a lot of good artists with their one or two good singles. The day of the 10-20 year career artist is dead for now until another 40 year when things cycle back to how it was in the 90s.
Name: DCGG
Comment: Oh fuvk LL and fuvk Jay Z both them bytches paid...meanwhile I'm busting my azz at work on a got damn holiday...
Name: TesticAl
Comment: DCGG, what up homey! You don't get holiday pay? LOL! What type of job do you have. I'm in the military and I VOLUNTEERED to work today. That holiday pay will look nice on my check.
Name: soulmusic101
Comment: KMJW...I see your point but Jay Z is just being Jay Z. he is not Gamble and Huff and never claimed to be. Back to the CD, the reason why I feel it is sweet, because the Producer's created a 70's vibe with the music. Anybody that samples Marvin Gaye's "Soon I'll Be Loving You Again" from the 70's Classix Marvin Gave "I Want You", is alright with me. Listen to the track "American Dreamin" from J.Z's American Gandster Project for the sample (not lazy like Puffy did back in the day)....Testic Al when you go shopping for your next pair of headphone's...try looking at the Schure E Series noise canceling headphone's, very discrete profile, handles B%*$, midrange, and treble very well. I get lost in the music at the GYM when I wear these.
Name: soulmusic101
Comment: That was B.%*$, EUR with their too careful censorship...LOL
Name: soulmusic101
Comment: B.A.S.S.----Like I said.
Name: kidfree
Comment: KMJW - Nice job...I agree that music these days is just not the same. Even comparing rappers to those in the 80/90's, the music is not the same. Sugar Hill Gang, Kool Mo Dee, RunDMC has lyrics that gave you a message...Heck, TUPAC (you know it was coming) gave you a message. Now a days, you get nothing in these raps. You get a club stopper or a car bouncer and that's it. I think Jay-Z is a nice person and doesn't conform to others around him. Music - rap music is just not the same. Too many one hit wonders that will not last in the next 2 years.
Name: MorrisOKelly
Comment: Anybody who knows anything about the BUSINESS of music understands that you don't have the time to run a major label and record and promote an album. Period. LL may have a little bit of sour grapes juice running through his veins, but his comments are right on the mark. It doesn't change the validity of them. A music soundtrack given to a label is historically used as a marketing tool for the WHOLE of a label, not just one artist who "should" be too busy to spend 10 hours a day in a recording studio or traveling and performing in support of a project while ALSO running a major music conglomerate. LL is factually accurate...motivations aside.
Name: SweetieDarlin
Comment: LL has a point and has been expressing this concern for quite some time about Jay Z. I wonder if Jay Z has too much ego to promote his other artist as well as he promotes himself. I like Jay Z and LL and I don't think either one should 'sit down' if this is the career they want, just because they are older doesn't mean they can't make good music. LL has been dissatisfied for quite sometime unfortunately and again while he has a point I do wonder what he is doing about it aside from complaining (remember he had issues back in the mid-90s with the label and almost left.) Perhaps he should find a way to go independant, just because something used to work for you doesn't mean it will continue, one has to be flexible to continue to progress. BTW as much as we wish for the good ol' days of Rap, just like 70s music there was good and bad it's just that now that it is in the past we have selective memory. How about the Rap songs 'Yo Mama', 'Fly Girl' 'Yeah' and songs like that, did they have a message or were they just fun to listen to and had a good beat? I will say though that earlier rap at least had variety and different styles, a lot of new rap is basically a formula with no distictive qualities.
Name: soulmusic101
Comment: SweetieDarlin..I was riding with you up to a point but I feel that Common, Talib, and Kanye are creating music that I will listen too beyond 2008. Yeah and you are right every generation think's that the Music they grew up with was the best. My Uncle didn't like Prince when he 1st came out but years later he changed his tune. And yep i still listen to Tupac and will continue.
Name: soulmusic101
Comment: But I also think that Music is in a flux and a Transitional Mode due to the Internet. The Suit's are still trying to figure out how to deal with it. Funny how Steve Job's (iTunes/iPod) is making more cash off music than Warner Brother's. Funny how times change.
Name: Rahwaykid1
Comment: Well said, Mo. That just about sums it up.
Name: soulmusic101
Comment: Oh and Jay Z doesn't fit the mode of a traditional Record Executive and neither does Jermaine Dupri but I see everybody's point to a certain extent. Still glad that Jay Z released American Gangster tho. Too many soundtrack's that had the entire label on it were thrash.
Name: soulmusic101
Comment: And Jay did say that this was music inspried by the Movie and yep I copped the original Soundtrack from the Movie with various Artist's. Just haven't had time to listen to it.
Name: Teigh
Comment: golfebj> I feel your comments....Dame and Kareem were the suits (and strategists) behind Roc and it's becoming more and more apparent every day. Dame moved on, he is in film producing (Mr. Untouchable -- the Nicky Barnes Documentary among others) and is a boxing promoter with Lou DiBello, formerly of HBO). I just finished watching the repeat of Charlie Rose that featured jay Z for the hour. Interesting, part promotion and marketing vehicle for his inspired by project and it is November sweeps in the middle of a writers strike) What jay did say was that at this point it's about artistry, and chasing history. He basically said that DEf Jam has cut back and is only releasing works that "they" (now I don't know who they is) feel will stand the test of time...and signing only artists who "really have the love for the music". Charlie Roise flat out asked is Kanye is the "heir apparent" -- Jay's response "could be". After watching this I wonder a couple of things? Does Def Jam have any other divisions beyond the rap division? (I remember when Barry White was signed to Def Jam Soul or something like that, but he passed away before releasing anything. Patti was down for a minute too but had a major fall out with LA Reid over something); Does Jay run all of Def Jam or just the rap division? If the suits at Universal determined that they were going to cut back and not sign as many artists..then it would seem that yet again Jay is the "face" of Def Jam, just like he was the "face" of Roca Fella -- who else did major numbers and has a lucrative career (that was a signed artist)? Maybe Universal did pay for postering after all.
Name: SweetieDarlin
Comment: Soulmusic101, you know what, let me clarify---I mean the 'average rap' like the Soulja Boys and artist of that ilk. Kinda the hit and run people. I did not mean to paint all rap artists with the same brush. I believe Common (who actually isn't a true new artist since he started in the early 90s and is a Chicago's own artist regardless of where he's living now) Talib, Kanye and other creative artist who buck the normal standards are definately those whose music will stand the test of time. I'm not even cracking on the corny rap from the late 80s because Lord knows the late 70s had their share of corny and downright weird music (when you listen to it now) for example Earth, Wind and Fire and Parliment-Funkadelic had some real tripped out lyrics and I loved it. The bad thing was trying to explain what was so cool about their lyrics to a 20-something person---best thing I could say was I guess you had to be there...
Name: soulmusic101
Comment: SweetieDarlin...Okay, we riding again but I get to drive...LOL...Remember "The Double Dutch Bus?
Name: SweetieDarlin
Comment: Soulmusic101>Absolutely! Give me a 'Ho if you got your funky busfare...
Name: TesticAl
Comment: LL is wrong calling Hov's album a soundtrack when it clearly isn't. The title of the album just happens to be the same as the movie and the lead single was entitled "Blue Magic". That's where the comparisons begin and end. Don't get me confused, I like LL but he should just take his "L" and step back. CURRENTLY he's not relevant to rap as Hova is.
Name: adifferentpath
Comment: jilarious
Name: dcarter1913
Comment: LL is right. My man is always right. An artist would not be the best person to run a lable. That's a conflict of interest.
Name: golfebj
Comment: TesticAl > after Kingdom Come, S. Carter wasn't relevant to the rap game which is why he felt he had to redeem himself with this album. The album buying community thought his lyrics were too mature on Kingdom come so he dumbed down his lyrics again to make a profit (ref: The Black Album - Moment of Clarity). Jay-Z's album is a soundtrack because every last song was based on the movie's storyline and written as such. Dude even reenacts scenes from the film for the purpose of his album. It just so happens the Def Jam is also releasing the official "American Ganster" album but nobody, nobody is promoting that one. Go to DefJam.com and the official soundtrack gets 2nd billing to Jay-Z's American Gangsta album. I'm surprised Anthony Hamilton got a video out the whole deal. Jay-Z is not a president. LA Reid and Babyface are perfect examples. Babyface sold off all his interests to become an artist again. LA ,on the other hand, has left it behind to be an executive. That's like running a McD's franchise but still wanting to make all the sandwhiches because yours always come out perfect. Guess what...while you making perfect sandwhiches who's watching the staff to make sure you don't go over payroll for the day? Who's greeting the customers while they enjoy their meals that the experience is a satisfying one? Sure can't do interviews if you're making burgers.
Name: papertrails134
Comment: The torch should have been passed down to L, who you think first blew the label up, LL thass who.defjam may never have made it off the independant scale if L was never on the label. And it's a messed up situation when you put in all this work and the next man comes and lives lavious on the work you got started.pay homage j, don't forget about the many clubs and parties you went to back in the day, before you got signed they was rockin' LL.
Name: 14you
Comment: LL needs to man up...While Jay was networking, LL was lickin his lips. It's not where you've been, it's where you're at. Obviously, LL did prepare himself for his own future. J was presented w/an opportunity and he took advantage of it (infiltrated the corporate dudes). LL has done many things, lots of doors have been open to him, but he wasn't focused, he was lickin his lips and keepin that beautiful body buffed. And this is what he's left with...every day is a new day...he could still become the Pres of DefJam if that's what he really wants....1luv.
Back to Top
Click here to post your comments.

Back to the Article » Click Here
...
Home
Return to Top
Back to Top