New Joint: "Built For This" - Method Man & Freddie Gibbs & StreetLife

Here is a dope new track featured on the soundtrack to RZA's upcoming movie "The Man With The Iron Fists". The cut is produced by Frank Dukes with music by The Revelations, and it features some sick verses from Method Man, Freddie Gibbs and Street Life. Executive produced by The RZA.

New Video: Method Man Interview With Montreality + Live Performance Footage

In this exclusive interview, Montreality kicks it with Method Man after his live performance for the Smokers Club Tour in Montreal. The video also features some good footage of Meth's live performance on that same night.

The Come Up Show Presents Photo Gallery of 2011 Smokers Club Tour at Kool Haus in Toronto

Here are some great photo's of the live performances put on by the legendary Method Man, Curren$y, Smoke DZA and many others who took the stage in a crowded and cloudly concert hall on Friday October 21st, 2011 at the Kool Haus in Toronto for the 2011 Smokers Club Tour.

Check out all the amazing photo's shot by Danielle Da Silva of the 2011 Smokers Club Tour in Toronto: http://www.flickr.com//photos/thecomeupshow/sets/72157627867367417/show/

DJ Allah Mathematics^

Currens$y (left) & Smoke DZA (right) performing live^

New Video: The Smokers Club Tour Week 1

On Friday October 21st, when Method Man, Curren$y, Smoke DZA and company hit the stage at the Kool Haus in Toronto, yours truly was proudly in attendance to catch the legend in action. Here is a video of the tour thus far through week 1 of the tour.

The Smokers Club Tour Hits Kool Haus In Toronto Tonight

M.E.T.H.O.D. Man! That's right y'all, I just got back from a little trip down the 401 from Toronto at Kool Haus, where your boy RTiculate got to see the legend, Meth Tical live in action for the Smokers Club Tour. Nobody, and I mean nobody puts on a performance like the Method Man!

Special shout out to your boy DJ Chedo of The Come Up Show.com, who I saw live in attendance as well, copping some vibes of that feel good music.

Method Man Verses Father's Day, Interview on Soul Culture

"Father's Day sucks, we deserve way more credit" says Wu-Tang Clan emcee Method Man. Well, I have to say, I definitely agree. Watch as the Hip Hop legend talks about his beef with other holidays and how Father's Day does not get enough recognition.

Filmed by Versetti and Andres Albert. Edited by Versetti.

For more great content, please check out Soul Culture online: http://www.soulculture.co.uk | http://www.soulculture.tv

Wu-Tang Clan Members Drop Freestyle on Tim Westwood TV

Recently Method man, U-God and Masta Killa caught up with Tim Westwood TV over in the UK and dropped this freestyle. New Wu-Tang Clan album on the way in July!

Method Man Speaks On "Crystal Meth" Album In Hip Hop Chronicle Interview

Sumit of The Hip Hop Chronicle UK caught up with Method Man and Masta Killa as they are reppin' the Wu out in London for two concert shows.

In this interview, Sumit speaks to Masta Killa and Method Man about the first time they came to London. Finally, Method Man also speaks on his brand new solo album "Crystal Meth" which Meth is currently cooking up for the music fans.

Interview Edited/Produced & Conducted by Sumit of The Hip Hop Chronicle(@hiphopchronicle).

New Wu-Tang Clan Album "Legendary Weapons" Dropping In July

Legendary hip hop group The Wu-Tang Clan are releasing a new studio album entitled "Legendary Weapons" July 26th. This new album will also have special guest features from such artists as: AZ, M.O.P., Termanology, Sean Price and more!

Track listing:
1. Start the Show (feat. Raekwon and RZA)
2. Laced Cheeba (feat. Ghostface, Sean Price and Trife Diesel)
3. Diesel Fluid (feat. Method Man, Trife Diesel and Cappadonna)
4. Played By The Game
5. The Black Diamonds (feat. Ghostface, Roc Marciano and Killa Sin)
6. Legendary Weapons (Ghostface, AZ and M.O.P.)
7. Never Feel This Pain (feat. Inspectah Deck, U-God and Tre Williams)
8. Angels Got Wings
9. Drunk Tongue (feat. Killa Sin)
10. 225 Rounds (feat. U-God, Cappadonna, Bronze Nazareth and RZA)
11. Meteor Hammer (feat. Ghostface, Action Bronson and Termanology)
12. Live Through Death
13. Only the Rugged Survive (feat. RZA)
14. Outro

Method Man Exclusive Interview On The Come Up Show

Check out Meth Tical as he sits in on this exclusive interview with Chedo from the Come Up Show. Method Man discusses how he feels about his latest studio release "Crystal Meth". Meth also shares some insights on where he makes the majority of his money in the rap music business, through grueling tours and lots of live performances!

HYPE THE HIP HOP BEEF - Music Marketing Strategies That Work

If you're a hip hop head like me, you just can't help but listen to the occasional diss track. From the "Real Roxanne" to the KRS and MC Shan battles, beef has been an element inside of hip hop that the fans have always been excited about watching unfold. In 1996, Tupac's "Hit 'Em Up" took diss tracks to a whole new and exciting level, which changed how diss tracks have evolved to become a competitive edge in music marketing. Thus, the "beef" factor began fueling a mass machine of hype manufacturing for hip hop artists, albums and record labels. However it's 2009 and in the words of the Notorious B.I.G., "Fuck that BEEF shit, that shit is played out".

Although now a days it seems that artists are having to exercise every possible option, pulling out all stops when it comes branding themselves and their music through rigorous and aggressive marketing and promotional efforts.

Take for example the current beef that has caught the music industry's attention, spreading like a bullshit virus through the hip hop music community. The Joe Budden-Method Man beef is being heavily debated by industry cats and avid rap music fans. Basically Joe said some shit about Meth, who is an established vet in the rap music business. Not so coincidentally, Method Man and Redman's highly anticipated Black Out 2 album was released just over a month ago. This little "beef" is keeping Method Man's name publicized in blogs, articles and magazine/ezines

Then on the other end, there is Buddens. Joe is heavily promoting the upcoming Slaughterhouse project that he and fellow super group artists are about to release. There is more then enough hype going into this release already, without Joe Budden having to stir up some shit. Still, it doesn't hurt to to get more publicity and attention.

Other artists in the music industry get involved, sometimes more diss tracks ensue and the fire continues to burn while the gasoline is poured on by both parties as well as fans.

Joe Budden hits up the Ed Lover Morning Radio Show


Meth's Response to Buddens on the Ed Lover Morning Radio Show


At this stage of the "beef", there's so much hype from what these two artists have been saying back and forth on records, in interviews and through lyrical jabs. Regardless, I think Mr. Meth definitely sums it up nicely with this quote:

"It's strictly shows, music, and my acting thing... and I feed my family off that."

Real talk. I got respect for both of these artists, although I obviously don't have to tell you which artist I favour. Either way, both of these artists have received a lot of extra attention by keeping this feud alive. While Buddens prepares for the Slaughterhouse push that will soon follow the album release, Meth stays in the public eye and BlackOut 2 gets more recognition.

What are some of your thoughts on this particular scenario ? Who do you think is right or completely balls wrong ? Does it even matter, I mean we know that they're out for our attention but we as music fans still debate, argue and speculate. Perhaps this music marketing technique is more effective than we even realize.

Hip Hop Continues to Dominate the Billboard Top 10

Yes yes ya'll ! It's just another week of hip hop domination on the Billboard hot 100 charts, as yet again the top 10 singles are primarily hip hop (approximately 80%). Here's the list..

Billboard Top 10 (As of June 7th/09)

1. "Boom Boom Pow" - Black Eyed Peas *

2. "Poker Face" - Lady GaGa (yes STILL !!!)

3. "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" - Pitbull * (club banger of the year so far)

4. "Birthday Sex" - Jeremih *

5. "Blame It" - Jamie Foxx feat. T Pain *

6. "Halo" - Beyonce *

7. "Knock You Down" - Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West * (watch out for this joint, it's hot right now, bump it).

8. "Day N Nite" - Kid Kudi * (Crooker's Remix still tearing up the club scene)

9. "Fire Burning" - Sean Kingston *

10. "Love Game" - Lady GaGa

Again, the *'s mark the 8 hip hop tracks on the top 10. That means the top 10 is currently divided up by 80% hip hop/r&b music and the remaining 20% is being held down by Lady GaGa with two songs in position's 2 and 10. She's having a good year for sure.

Not surprisingly the Black Eyed Pea's continue to see success from their hit single which is currently number one. Pitbull moves up two slots to 3rd as his club hit continues to climb the top 10. Jeremih's "Birthday Sex" rose from 9th to 4th but the big airplay gainer and hot joint out right now is "Knock You Down" by Keri Hilson featuring Ne-Yo and Kanye West. This track is being requested like crazy on radio stations all across the continent, believe me.

Interestingly enough, sales of "Black Out 2" (Redman and Method man and "Back On My B.S." (Busta Rhymes) have come to an almost screeching halt. Although I'm positive these albums are being bootlegged by millions of music fans worldwide, so the digital music downloads must be through the roof.

As far as albums on the Billboard charts go, "Black Out 2" has dropped from 7th to 18th while "Back On My B.S." plummets from the 5th to 22nd spot. "Relapse" by rap artist Eminem continues to be the current highest selling album over all.

Still, it amuses me to see that hip hop is being broadcasted in more then a healthy dose of current mainstream music. What do you think ? Too much, or not enough quality hip hop to represent the genre ? Do you see any patterns in the success of these recording artists and their songs ?

Leave your piece.
Peace.

Billboard Top 3 Hip Hop Albums, What's Up DefJam, WTF Pitbull ?

Top 3 R&B/Hip Hop Albums

1. "Relapse" - Eminem - Shady/Aftermath/Interscope

2. "Back On My B.S." - Busta Rhymes - Universal/Motown

3. "Black Out 2" - Method Man and Redman - DefJam

Who is really surprised that "Relapse" is number one ? *Doesn't see any hands raised, moving on* "Back On My Bull Shit" is holding down the second slot for Busta Rhymes, while Red and Meth's "Black Out 2" is currently ranking third.

Universal Music Group (UMG), even during the so-called uncertain economic wave, is doing well enough to spend big money from the budget for marketing and promoting the top 2 albums really well.

My question is, how much is DefJam really investing to support the sequel to one of the most successful hit/award winning albums in their catalog ? Suspicions and rumours dictate that DefJam has fallen off, despite their incredibly talented roster of artists. I'm not so sure about that, but I wouldn't rule it out either.

What's up Def Jam ?

Is DefJam feeling the economic crunch, or are they just losing faith in their veteran (pushing legendary) hip hop artists ? Who knows, it's all speculation really...but speculation makes for good publicity. There only reason I make mention of the possible lack of support by DefJam, is because I actually read the Nielson Sound Scan numbers for these top 3 album sales.

Eminem's first week of sales went well (to say the least) selling 609,000 copies. While Red and Meth sold approximately 60,000 units, which is kind of dissapointing to see. Both albums leaked a week before release, and still one is doing extremely better in sales, although both were highly anticipated by fan followings.

Despite receiving glowing reviews and great fan support, the album is experiencing weak sales, however I'm sure these two will make a killing selling merchandise and touring around the world. Plus How High 2 (the sequel to their successful cult comedy) is due to be released but has been delayed due to undisclosed reasons. More rumours swirling around that one, but I will leave that one alone.

Don't fuck with Pitbull

Finally, I just have to say, it's hilarious when you find a situation that rap artist Pitbull has gotten himself into. If you've seen the video, you'll understand what I mean. Pitbull is apparently defending himself against charges for assault on a "fan" at one of his performances. The video shows a fan reaching out and latching onto the artist, who then proceeds to pull him onto the stage for some shine.

The "fan" (who couldnt have been much of one) then slapped Pitbull in the face with a bill of money. The artist then struct the disrespectful man in the face without missing a beat and continuing on with the performance. You should never assault your fans, but a real fan would not disrespect a performer infront of his audience during the show. If you ask me the man got what he "paid for". Pitbull gets a 1+ respect in my book, plus he's killing it on the radio and in the club with his latest joint.

Rap Albums of The Year, Regardless of Sales or Success (IMO)

Whats good ya'll ? I thought this week I would break out of my usual tone of writing and just come with a fresh drop of some instinct. I'm going to briefly talk about two albums that I have been bumping ever since they came out (actually a little bit earlier because I couldn't wait lol).

The first album, I want to talk about is "Relapse" by Eminem which leaked online about a week before it's actual release date on May 19th. I downloaded it before I bought it because I knew it was going to be dope, I couldn't wait to hear what the man had to say or the musical and lyrical way that he says it. I was right, it was and it is a dope album.

"Fuck what any one says", I thought. The album has that eerily sound of the ol' Slim Shady ! That's the sikk Eminem I love to bump time and time again and this album is no different, it's going to be one of his big records and go on to be very successful. Since then I've read what the hip hop heads are saying on the forums and they all had good things to say (minus a few lames who didn't make a strong case, but F'em).

The long awaited studio album "Relapse" boasts some awesome production work by the man him self Dr. Dre who didn't, does not and probably will never disappoint. The album also contains a few hilarious skits featuring Steve Berman, Em's manager Paul Rosenberg, Dr. Dre himself, and actor Dominic West, plus Em's character Ken Kaniff also makes an appearance. All in all the album is raw, gritty and just str8 perscription meds for all hip hop heads.

Singles include: Crack A Bottle, 3 A.M. and We Made You.
Favorite tracks on the album: My Mom, Hello, Medicine, Deja Vu, Old Time Sake feat. Dr.Dre and Underground/Ken Kaniff

The second album that (I think) should be album of the year is BlackOut 2 by legendary hip hop artists Methodman and Redman. BO2 is definitely one of my favorite albums of the year, I'm straight up saying this album could possibly go on to win a Grammy award for best rap album in 2009 (IF Eminem doesn't snatch it.).

A decade after the success of the Grammy Award winning album "Blackout", hip hop's favorite blunt smokin' duo are still at it, and sikker then ever (imo). The album features many talented producers such as Rockwilder, Pete Rock, Erick Sermon and Havoc (of Mobb Deep).

Singles include: Ayo featuring Saukrates, Mrs. International featuring Erick Sermon,
Favorite tracks on the album: Ayo (Saukrates on the hook!), City Lights feat. Bun B, Four Minutes to Lock Down feat. Raekown and Ghostface Killa.... hell i'ma be honest I bumped the CD front to back when I first got it, and I love the whole album, my word.

Unless Detox finally drops this year (I'm playing Dre, I know it's coming), or BluePrint 3 steals the spotlight, I'm putting my chips down on either BlackOut 2 or Relapse to take Rap Album of the Year at the Grammy's for '09. Yea, it's still ridiculously early to make such a call....but I'm still placing the bet. Anybody care to disagree ? I'm open to and encourage healthy discussions on the matter.

Blast from the Past ('99)

As a continuation of my last post about where rap music is going, I thought I'd take us back in time to point out that rap has tried this before. Ofcourse, Rap Artists have been involved with other musicians of many genres for years and years. One of my favorite music mash up tracks is "N 2 Gether Now" by Limp Bizkit feat. Method Man. BUMP IT...it's dope.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdiLvv_DMcA


This track was released on a Limp Bizkit album in the 4th quarter of '99.

For you more experienced and older readers, you know I would never leave out the classic Run DMC feat. Aerosmith "Walk This Way".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8A0rhVG91U

Google and Wiki some old joints that weren't rap songs but had a rap artist featured. You will find lots of interesting collaborations between some really great artists and musicians.