Songs for the Holidays...Christmas

It's the most wonderful time of year. Here's some songs to get you into Christmas spirit. I think its safe to say that these holiday songs are more appropriate then my Halloween attempt at songs for the holidays. Anyway, hope everyone enjoys their respective holiday celebrations and send all the naughty girls my way. Sorry for the Merry Hanukkah rap. I just couldn't resist.












Explicit version HERE

Chip Tha Ripper – "The Cleveland Show Mixtape" Download

Here is a new mixtape from rapper, Chip the Ripper. I was immediately drawn (pun intended) to this mixtape because of the cover art. Chip has been featured on some other mixtapes, but I think he definitely makes a statement about his abilities as a rapper. Check out the mixtape HERE.

Tracklisting Here:

Attack of the Killer "Baggy Pants"

"...it's hip hop bay area thang, it's how we dress out here." -Guy Wearing Baggy Pants

"...its just apart of being hip i think." -Cop

I figured that I'd include this on the blog considering the presence of baggy pants throughout the short history of rap/hip hop music. This whole blog entry started with The Chicago Times article, "What do baggy pants really say?"

The article talks briefly about baggy pants and its association with racial tension and gang problems. James Thompson, an African American who enjoys the fashion, talks about not being allowed in a bar because of his baggy pants. It is important to note that his friend, a white guy, was let in the bar sporting the same fashion trend. After considering how he is treated differently at his job because of his work attire, Thompson basically sums up the basis of the article saying, "The difference is that a non-black person who wears baggy clothing isn't considered a thug" in the same way a black person might be.." Misconceptions of baggy pants are also highlighted in Haaziq's online video report on Baggy Pants.

This video focuses the fashion of baggy pants and the dangers that cops see with the trend. "The bigger the pants, the more that could possibly be concealed on that person." says an officer in the video. He goes on to say, "...when suspects are fleeing, They're gonna grab their pants in a manner in which you now can not see their hands that good. And those movements may be misconstrued by an officer, especially if their not complying with an officer's commands." Dangers of baggy pants are also highlighted in the following hilarious video:



What we can learn:
Baggy pants are a means of expression, just like every other aspect of rap and hip hop. The misconceptions come from a lack of understanding of the culture. Race relations and social conflicts also play a part in the baggy pants conflict. And although it is unjust to denied into a bar because of a fashion trend and because of the stereotypes that are associated with that fashion trend, it is not uncommon to be denied entry into an establishment because of dress code (This means you Stupid Ghost Bar, at The Palms in Las Vegas!. Denied over my shoes. I tried to buy the shoes off of a security guard just to get into the damn place). No matter what opinion you subscribe to, the baggy pants trend is most likely gonna survive for a little while longer (that or skinny jeans, pick your poison). If we can learn anything from these reports, its to bring a change of clothes to the club, watch out for police trying to tazer you on account of your size 48 jeans, and don't fear those wearing "killer" baggy pants.

There Will Be Beef - Beanie Sigel & Jay-Z

Looks like everyone got some kinda problem with Hov. Add Beanie Sigel to that list. Dj Drama has released a diss track from the Philly MC.



Beanie has gone on to clarify the track saying,
"I'm not hating on Jay-Z because of the position he's in or where he's going, I'm just saying, when you a team and you a crew and you a squad and you grew from the ground up, you don't just leave your people hanging in the wind."

Beanie then went on to say that Jigga didn't look out for him, State Property, and the rest of the former Roc-A-fella artists like 50 Cent did for his G-Unit team.

Jay Z has since replied saying,
"...What people choose to do, when they attain that type of success, at some point you got to look at the mirror and look at yourself. You know, Beanie Sigel had a record deal, a record label, and a clothing line. I mean, (he) never went platinuim, ever. I mean, in the history of rap, has anyone done so much with so little? So I don't know what more you can do for a person at that point."

So that makes 3 rappers that have released diss tracks aimed at Jay Z this year. Jim Jones - Alarm, The Game - I'm So Wavy, and Beanie - What You Talkin' About. Anyway, looks like Hov could care less about those trying to pick at him from the bottom. I guess I'd ignore all the haters too if I was married to Beyonce, partially owned an NBA basketball franchise, and ran my own brand of upscale bars. Jigga put it best himself saying, "I have zero to complain about."

Fashawn - "The Antidote Mixtape" Download

They say that some things come in "3's," so here is the 3rd mixtape offering of the week. I am a huge fan of The Alchemist, so I didn't hesitate to download this mixtape from an artist that was previously unknown to me. The mixtape was released to promote Fashawn's October album "Boy Meets World." I have to say that this might be my favorite mixtape of the year. It's short and sweet and both the rapping and production are top notch. Check out Fashawn new classic mixtape HERE.

Tracklisting for "The Antidote"
1. Intro
2. Shall Come a New Name
3. Fash Plays It Cool
4. The Antidote
5. Gone In 60 Seconds
6. Rap Seduction
7. What's Your World
8. From the Creation
9. FYI
10. Lost in New York
11. Got It Sewn

Wiz Khalifa - "Burn After Rolling (B.A.R) Mixtape" Download

Wiz Kahlifa is a upcoming rapper that has been rocking the mixtape circuit for the last couple years now. He style is somewhat similar to the sounds of Wale or Kid Cudi. Anyway, the new mixtape has some good original music and freestyles. Get it HERE. Check out the Currency & Wiz Khalifa "How Fly Mixtape" for some more good hip hop.

Tracklisting for "Burn After Reading"
1. B.A.R
2. Gettin Up
3. Take Yo B---h
4. The Thrill (Walking on a Dream)
5. One Way
6. Miles
7. If I Were A Lame
8. Meet New People
9. Weekend
10. Young Khalifa
11. Knock You Down
12. On Tha Pill
13. When U Find
14. Mafia Music (remix)
15. Say You Will
16. Timeless
17. Won't Land
18. Ode to Naked Pop Stars
19. All My Life Freestyle
20. Great to Be There (outro)

Lil Wayne - "No Ceilings Mixtape" Download

Click Here to download Lil Wayne's new mixtape, No Ceilings. The mixtape is reminiscent of Chamillionaire's Mixtape Messiah mixtapes because Lil Wayne raps over recycled beats. Love him or hate him, Lil Wayne definitely works very hard to stay relevant. We will see how his jail sentence affects the overall demand for Weezy.