Team Blackout, Lights Out
August 31, 2008
Rev Run of Run DMC introduces some new cats to the hip-hop scene, Team Blackout, with their debut album, Lights Out. The group includes JoJo Simmons, son of Rev Run, along with two of his childhood friends, Zach and Reggie. The trio has been featured on MTV’s reality series, “Run’s House” and they seem to be livin’ large.
Amazing to think these three amigos are just teenagers because they sound incredibly well-polished—almost like fine wine. Team Blackout definitely doesn’t have the tone of rookies, yet this is their debut album! The album features 12 hot tracks with my favorite being “J5 on ‘Em”, which is also has a video to the song on YouTube. This cut just had so much fun energy that made you wanna “get up and get, get down”—thank you Flavor Flav. I also was also feelin’ some other fresh tracks like: : “Whip So Clean”, “Billion Dollar Boyfriend” and “Lights Down Low”.
Lights Out brings to the turntable 12 slammin’ tracks that have that bouncin’ in the club feel—just partyin’, hangin’ out and have a good time is the mood throughout the record. JoJo, Zach and Reggie are bringin’ fun back to hip-hop and it’s about time! I was hearing futuristic sounds, the classic hand claps to the beat, old-school drum beat and just a hot, fresh sound altogether. There was old-school flavor, but blended in with a touch of new-school. Team Blackout is a rap trio to look out for in the future and they are definitely bringin’ the heat on this one folks—1, 2, 3 Lights Out!
One thing that was a little redundant on the album was the constant echo of “Team Blackout” in the background of many of the songs. I know these teens are young and wanting to get their stuff heard, so in the words of Tu Pac—“I ain’t mad at cha”. Also, there was quite a bit of referencing to money on this album, which was kind of a turn off. Rappers, in general, need to stop throwing their lavish lifestyles in our faces and rap about some real issues, but at the same time just have fun with it, which Team Blackout does bring to the table.
I’m anxious to hear what Team Blackout comes out with next because I think they have a bright future in the world of hip-hop. As long as JoJo, Zach and Reggie can come up with original and hip material steering away from talking about monetary pocessions and the power of the almighty buck, they’ll be alright. I actually think they have the talent and ability to become an elite rap group and I can see Team Blackout blowin’ up on the scene like crazy! I have a feeling it will be a long, long time before this NY trio calls it quits and says lights out.
For more on Team Blackout, check out: www.myspace.com/teamblackout3, teamblackout.net and http://teamblackout.uber. Pick up a copy of Lights Out at a store near you and also SKOPE out tracks that you can purchase online at iTunes. I definitely recommend this album to any hip-hop fan that just wants to have some fun.
Words By: Jimmy Rae
Rating: 
JOAN OSBORNE NEW ALBUM DUE 9.9.08 / TWO MP3′S
August 30, 2008
In writing songs for her new album ‘Little Wild One’ (September 9th; Womanly Hips / Plum / Saguaro Road / Music Allies) Joan Osborne fell under the spell of two of New York’s most beloved poets.
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN FIRST NEW ALBUM IN THREE YEARS / DATES
August 30, 2008
The global rock guitar community will undoubtedly mark October 14, 2008 on their calendars, as this is the exact date that Yngwie Malmsteen will be issuing his latest studio triumph, ‘Perpetual Flame.’ The album will be the first-ever Yngwie album to be released via Rising Force Records (distributed via Koch), while the album also marks the debut on an Yngwie album by ex-Judas Priest/Iced Earth frontman, Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens.
COMPLETE TRACKLISTING FOR ‘PERPETUAL FLAME’:
1. Death Dealer
2. Damnation Game
3. Live to Fight (Another Day)
4. Red Devil
5. Four Horsemen (Of the Apocalypse)
6. Priest of the Unholy
7. Be Careful What You Wish For
8. Caprici Di Diablo
9. Lament
10. Magic City
11. Eleventh Hour
12. Heavy Heart
Freekbass, Live Grooveyard
August 30, 2008
Freekbass plays that funky music and yes he is white, but it doesn’t matter. Funk seems to flow right out of Freekbass’ soul and flows smoothly like crystal, clear water to his bass guitar. Grooveyard is a new album by Freekbass, which was recorded live at 20th Century Theatre in Cincinnati, Ohio. The group consists of Freekbass on bass/vocals, Chip Wilson on drums/vocals and T-Sly on guitar/vocals.
The new, live album features nine funky, fresh and fun songs. I can’t help but think that Freekbass is the real deal and “Dr Funkenstein” himself, song title courtesy of funk-masters, Parliament. First thing I noticed was how the funkiness seems to ooze out of Freekbass’ bass guitar so flawlessly and effortlessly. T-Sly was also jiving along on guitar and Wilson keepin’ a solid beat, which made for an all-around great sound.
I picked up on a Red Hot Chili Peppers vibe through some of the songs; that old-school and funky Chili Pepper sound. Also, you will hear on track one, “She’s Already There” the famous voice echo effect that sounded similar to the Ohio Players’ “Love Rollercoaster”. Not to mention, the Red Hot Chili Peppers redid “Love Rollercoaster” as well, so vintage Chili Peppers sound definitely coming through on Grooveyard. Freekbass is even heard bustin’ out a rhyme and showin’ off his MC skills on “She’s Already There”.
By far, “Up, Up, Up” couldn’t have been titled better because the song is all about having fun, partying up and never letting up! Honestly never letting up because the longest song on the album going for over 18 minutes, but you know what it works and it’s funkin’ great! You get to hear it all on “Up, Up, Up”: solos with ferocity by all three members, you’ll hear the Cincy crowd really havin’ one hell of a time and Wilson getting those funketeers goin’ by yelling out to the crowd, “Ain’t Nothin’ but a Freekbass Party!” and “Say Freek—–Bass”!!” Bring in the funk because there was one huge funk fest going on during the making of Grooveyard, courtesy of the Duke of Funkness himself, Freekbass.
You’ll move your head and move to the funk-nasty beat; you won’t be able to help yourself! Freekbass is funk man; hear it, feel it and believe it.
For more info on Freekbass and his group, SKOPE out: www.freekbass.com and www.myspace.com/freekbass.
Also, live video footage for this concert available at www.MindIgnitionChannel.com.
Keep the funk alive and keep it funky brother!
Words By: Jimmy Rae
Rating:
RIAA MAKING AN EXAMPLE OUT OF GN’R LEAKER
August 30, 2008
You know a music story is big when it’s written about in the Wall Street Journal, and that’s exactly what’s happened with the plight of Kevin Cogill, the man accused of posting leaked Guns N’ Roses music. The Journal ran an article last week describing how Cogill’s arrest signals a more aggressive stance in the fight against online music piracy. The Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) director told the paper that they wanted to show the world that there are consequences to piracy, explaining, “When we tell somebody to just take it down and there’s no penalty, there’s no arrest, there’s no fine, it’s very easy for them to continue to do it.” Cogill could face both criminal charges, a civil copyright infringement suit from the GN’R camp, a 250-thousand dollar fine and up to three years in jail. That’s not to mention the 1.3-million dollar damages that could come with the civil charges, even if he proves that his leaking the songs helped sell the record by generating press for the band. A preliminary hearing takes place on the 17th.
GN’R, SLASH SPEAK OUT AGAINST LEAKER: With the recent arrest of Kevin Cogill, the man who posted leaked Guns N’ Roses music, people are speaking out. According to the Los Angeles Times, GN’R released a statement that read, “Presently, though we don’t support this guy’s actions at that level, our interest is the original source.” Meanwhile, former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash had more to say, noting, “I hope he rots in jail. It’s going to affect the sales of the record and it’s not fair. The Internet is what it is, and you have to deal with it accordingly, but I think if someone goes and steals something, it’s theft.” Cogill, who has been charged with copyright infringement, now faces up to three years in prison and a 250-thousand dollar fine. His next court date is September 17th.
AXL ROSE PURSUED KELLY OSBOURNE? If you believe what you read in the gossip magazines, then it seems Axl Rose is into Kelly Osbourne. Kelly’s friend, designer Richie Rich, told OK magazine that at a recent party, the Guns N’ Roses singer was pursuing Ozzy’s daughter. Rich revealed the 46-year-old Rose was acting strange with Kelly, noting, “He was really weird with her. He kept leering at her and saying, ‘I want to f**k you!’” If it is true, Axl must not have gotten the memo that Kelly is involved with model Luke Worrell.
BEEF: FAT JOE VS DADDY YANKEE
August 30, 2008
Last week, Daddy Yankee showed up at a Phoenix high school to endorse Republican senator John McCain. The Reggaeton artist backed the presumptive presidential candidate by saying, “He’s a fighter for the Hispanic community.” Well, apparently this statement didn’t sit so well with Fat Joe, who told MTV News that Yankee is a sellout. Joe explained, “I felt like I wanted to vomit when I seen that. I feel he did that for a [publicity] look, rather than the issues that are affecting his people that look up to him.” Joe added, “How could you want John McCain in office when George Bush and the Republicans already have half a million people losing their homes in foreclosure? I feel real disgusted that Daddy Yankee would do that. Either he did that for a look, or he’s just not educated on politics.” Joe even offered to challenge Yankee to a debate on who’s the better candidate for the Latino community. MTV News reports that Yankee’s reps said he was out of the country and wouldn’t be available to comment until next week.
QUOTED: COLDPLAY TALK INFLUENCES
August 30, 2008
Coldplay have four albums under their belt so far, dating back to 2000, with their debut Parachutes. We caught up with the band a while back and guitarist Jonny Buckland told us what type of musicians have influenced him over the years.
“Well, sort of my favorite artists are people who’ve stayed exactly true to themselves over the last…people like Tom Waits 30 years recording and you put his first album and his last album next to each other, they’re brilliant. But, he hasn’t bowed to any sort of trend or anything. He’s just done his own thing.”
Coldplay is nominated for a Best Special Effects 2008 Video Music Award for their “Violet Hill” clip. The video was directed by Asa Mader and Gregory De Maria was in charge of the special effects. Check out the awards show this Sunday, only on MTV at 9 PM SHARP.
QUOTED: KID ROCK TALKS ROCK N ROLL JESUS
August 30, 2008
Kid Rock is performing at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards this Sunday. Rock will no doubt grace the audience with a song or two from his most recent album Rock n Roll Jesus. He told MTV Radio how he felt when making that album.
“With this record it just seemed that I felt more comfortable in my own skin then I’ve ever felt, just being a songwriter, performer, a father, a human being, just, it really just felt like the stars aligned.”
The stars will definitely be out Sunday when the VMAs hit L-A. Tune your TV’s to MTV at 9 PM SHARP to catch all the award show action.
KID ROCK BRANDING PRODUCTS: It looks like Kid Rock sees himself as more than just a man; he’s a brand. And as such, according to Billboard.com, we’ll be seeing some Kid Rock products in the near future. The “All Summer Long” singer tells the outlet that he’ll be launching a line of signature beer and cigars. Rock comments, “I like [branding opportunities] when it’s something I’m into, and I’m definitely into beer and cigars… You probably won’t see me on the cover of a Wheaties box or selling Tide detergent, because it’s irrelevant to me.”
M.I.A. MAY NOT BE DONE WITH MUSIC
August 30, 2008
M.I.A. disappointed fans around the world this summer when she announced at the annual Bonnaroo festival that she was retiring from live music. Now that her song “Paper Planes” has become so huge though, is she reconsidering? She tells Entertainment Weekly, “It was my last ever show and it still is…now with the success of ‘Paper Planes’ there’s a pull for me to make another record. Even my mum believes in me more. It’s a nice encouragement.” “Paper Planes” became a huge hit after it was featured in the trailer for stoner comedy Pineapple Express.
NEW ARMY NAVY MP3 HERE
August 29, 2008
The group features Justin Kennedy who used to be in Pinwheel with Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard back in the day, their debut album was produced by Adam Lasus (Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!, Yo La Tengo), and they’re having an exclusive track being featured on the soundtrack to “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” alongside Vampire Weekend, We Are Scientists, Devendra Banhart, etc. here in October - lots of things happening with these guys.
The music of Army Navy is best described as impeccably crafted melody over blankets of guitar fuzz that creates a delicate balance between melancholy and joyful resignation. The band looks to groups from the past like Teenage Fanclub, The Smiths, The Posies and The Libertines for inspiration, while keeping a firm eye on the future.
Aided in the studio by producer Adam Lasus whose previous credits include Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Helium, and Yo La Tengo, the band is setting to eschew the major label process and release its eponymous debut in the US under its own label, The Fever Zone, October 14th, 2008.
Army Navy - “Army Navy” (Advance):
