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Without a doubt, Eminem one of the nicest M.C.'s of our time. His unparrallell lyrical scheme of wit, humor and pure disrespectful disregard for anyone that he doesn't like is what puts this rap genius in a league of his own. In 2003, Slim Shady released this single from his 2002 album, The Eminem Show. Peaking at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100, this track is based upon failed relationships and multiple promiscuos girls that Em has had contact with in his life. In his autobiography Em revealed that the song - to an extent - is about his rumored relationship with, R&B Pop Diva, Mariah Carey. Enjoy

The third single off of 112's debut album, Cupid, was release in May 1997. This track made the top 40 and went gold all in the same month! One month later, this classic single went platinum! Enjoy this R&B throwback from Q, Daron, Slim and Mike.

"Emotions" was the dirst single released from Twista's third album, Adrenaline Rush. It was a nice comeback for the rap veteran, peaking at #11 on the Billboards Hot Rap Singles. Enjoy. By the way...where is Do ro Die?

James Todd's second studio album B.A.Dreally needs no introduction. It topped charts at number 1 on Top Hip-Hop/R&B Albums and number 3 on the Billboard 200. L.L. was still living in his grandmothers basement when this LP dropped back in 1987. Well he definitly rapped his way to the top becoming a trend setting legend. All I can say is.........No rapper can rap quite like I can/I'll take a musclebound man and put his face in the sand/Not the last Mafioso Im a M.C. cop/make you say "Go L.L" and do the wop.....

Eardrum Krushez was recently given the opportunity to speak with Minnesota based hip-hop artist Antonio A&R Richardson. This young man is aggressively breaking into the mainstream spotlight with his unmatched work ethics and non-stop hunger for success. Objective #1: Put Minnesota on the map. From writing the theme song for (MLB All-Star Catcher) Joe Mauer to performing at the Metrodome to entertaining fans at the Target Center to acting in major brand commercials - this lyricist knows how to move the crowd. The “man with a mission” took a few moments to speak with EDK…..

EDK: TELL OUR READERS ABOUT GROWING UP IN MINNESOTA?
AR: [Contrary to popular belief] we have a lot of drugs, violence and gangs in St. Paul. I was mostly into sports [when I was younger] but music has always been my first love.

EDK: WHO'S BEEN YOUR MAJOR INFLUENCE IN THE RAP GAME?
AR: Ice Cube. Death Certificate is like my “hip-hop Bible”. That’s the album, still to this day, that I listen to front to back. It basically explains everything that the average black male goes through. (laughing) Early on, I [even] used to have the ‘fro with the pic in my hair.

EDK: SO YOU PAY ATTENTION TO AND FOLLOW THOSE WHO HAVE HAD SUCCESS AND LONGEVITY IN THE GAME?
AR: I’m a history addict. I believe in studying and knowing what came before you. It’s the only true way to make a long impact not just one little shock. You take bits and pieces of what everybody has done and make it your own.

EDK: KNOWLDEGE AND PRESENTATION ARE DEFINITELY KEY FACTORS IN ANYTHING THAT YOU DO.
AR: I’ve paid attention to everyone from The Beetles to Frank Sinatra. You not only loved their music but you loved them as a person. They’re the type of people that you wanted to invite into your home. You wanted to have dinner and a conversation with them because they were so interesting. You liked the way they rocked an outfit or something that they quoted. The whole package [and that’s what I incorporate into my music].

EDK: WITH THAT IN MIND, WHAT'S YOUR NUMBER ONE GOAL IN THIS INDUSTRY?
AR: I want to teach people through my music and make [Minnesota] a major scene. I’m trying to break a region on the map that hasn’t been broken. It’s my destiny. You miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take.

EDK: HOW DID MAKING THE THEME SONG FOR JOE MAUER COME ABOUT?
AR: He was having a private New Year’s Eve Party and [the DJ] played my single “Whatchu Wanna Do”. Joe came over, we started talking and the rest is history. The premier was one of the biggest moments in my career! Being an unsigned artist and having your song premier in front of 50,000 people is crazy!

EDK: TRUE. EVEN BEING OFFERED THAT OPPORTUNITY - AS A HIP HOP ARTIST - SAYS ALOT ABOUT YOUR STATURE AND WORK ETHICS.

EDK: YOU WROTE AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY TITLED “It Was Written…The Unsigned Memoir”. BRIEF OUR READERS ON THE BOOK.
AR: [I wish I could have read Ice Cubes’ or Rakims’ autobiography when I was younger and knew more about them as men, not just rappers.] You knew about their environment but you really didn’t know the person. I’m trying to develop a relationship [with my fans]. I don’t want fans that are here for one song and then they’re gone. I want them to know who I really am. I’m real excited to see how people will receive it.

EDK: GIVE US A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A&R.
AR: Everyday I’m up at 5:55am. I’m [similar] to a Wall Street guy [up early, drinking coffee and following the stock market]. I’m up reading every single hip-hop website and checking my Google alerts. If you’re trying to get into an industry then you need to know everything about it. I’m making phone calls, doing interviews, editing videos and writing. [I don’t take any off days, not even my birthday.] That’s how serious I am and how much I want it!

EDK: I CAN FEEL THAT. THE ONLY WAY TO GO GET IT IS...TO GO GET IT!

EDK: WHAT CAN EXPECT FROM THE LP AND WHEN?
AR: I’m putting together something real nice so I’m shooting for July. [The new mixtape The Godfather of the Outcast will drop on March 10th] Expect nothing less than classic [material] from me. I want to incorporate the joy, the pain and the tough subjects that people don’t want to talk about. [My music] is something that everybody can relate and adapt to.

EDK: ANYTHING GOING ON OUTSIDE OF MUSIC?
AR: [I’m about to do Fashion Week and currently working on a new sponsorship with 3 Olives Vodka.] I’m also spokesman for The Graves Disease Foundation and I got some benefit concerts [for that cause] coming up soon. So I’ll be out there [on the grind].

EDK: THAT'S WASSUP. SUM ANTONIO A&R RICHARDSON UP IN ONE STATEMENT.
AR: (silence) Somebody you’ll never forget.

EDK readers stay on the lookout for this up-and-coming rap artist. He’s bringing something fresh, original and solid to the game. You can find his music and stay updated @ www.AnRmusic.blogspot.com www.twitter.com/anrmusic www.myspace.com/anrmusic www.facebook.com/anrmusic

Peace.

J. Ameer

This one for all my true ATLiens! This song managed to peak at number 19 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. It was the first single by OutKast to be released in the year 2002 off of the Big Boi & Dre Present...Outkast Compliation album. The single features Killer Mike on the vocal track. The song, written by OutKast and produced by Organized Noize, won the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. ATL stand up! Enjoy.

This mellow track was the lead single from Sade Adu's fifth studio album. Nominated for a Grammy in 2002 and peaking at #75 on the Billboard Hot 100, this cut has always been a great "first dance" song at wedding receptions nationwide. Sade has a way of calming the soul and wooing relaxtion with her every melody. Enjoy.

The Early and Mid-90's was an R&B Era to remember - when slow jamz were about LOVE. Back when every song wasnt about bottle poppin', Bently drivin' or featuring a gangster rapper. This cut comes from Shai's 1993 debut album. This was the first single and it peaked at #2 on U.s. Billboards. Enjoy. Peace.

Contrary to popular belief, Tupac Amaru Shakur was more than just a "gangsta rapper". Though some of his songs contained lyrics about sex, drugs and alcohol, 'Pac also made plenty of songs thats covered important issues in the Black
Community. This one hails from his debut album 2pacolypse Now. Also on this album reigned the classic cut Brenda's Got a Baby. All my true 'Pac fans will nod their heads this and those who are not can learn a little more about the Rap legend. Enjoy.

Yo, when this joint dropped in 2005 everbody wanted a grill! This is still bangin' in the club!! Hope you enjoy. By the way...where is Nelly?

This cut from "God's Son" needs no introduction. Nasir Jones is a vet MC who has proven time and time again that he needs is.....one mic. Enjoy

Only my TRUE TRUE hip-hop fans are going to remember this single. This cut takes me back to when Emcee's had to be lyrically gifted to get play on the 1's and 2's. De la Soul has given us many hits. Known for their "self-conscious lyrics", they teamed up with Redman on this classic track. Enjoy

Ok every chick I know "drops it like its hot" when this song comes on. This jam came along in the era that launched Cash Money Records into stardom. And dont forget that your boy Weezy and Mannie Fresh jumped on this track to help set it off. Enjoy this 1999 classic.

This 1991 Boyz 2 Men debut single speaks for itself. Peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, its a classic we all still know the words to. Enjoy this new jack swing classis. Peace.

Singer, songwriter and producer Donell Jones is a brand that doesn’t need a formal introduction. Donell has been streaming through our radio airwaves for well-over a decade. He’s consistently given us amazing hit after hit. Back from a three-year hiatus, Mr. Jones has returned to grace our eardrums (once again) with soulful ballads and primrose serenades. His recent release “The Lost Files” is a compilation that contains an appealing flurry of previously unheard melodies. Donell has also been hammering away in the studio completing a new LP that is scheduled to be released in early 2010. The distinguished and laid back R&B singer took some time out of his busy schedule to speak with EardrumKrushez:

EDK: So Mr. Jones, tell us more about your label Candyman Records.

DL: Well, it’s something that I wanted to do since the beginning. [I never really got the push that I deserved while at LaFace, Arista and Jive]. I always felt if I had my own label that I would go all out. When I got the chance I jumped at it.

EDK: The forthcoming album is currently “untitled”. What can the fansexpect?

DJ: The album is all new material from beginning to end! It’s going to be a smash! I’ve been off the scene for about three years, so I’ve had a lot of time to sit back and go through a lot of situations. I’ve got a lot to talk about on this next record. [This particular album is really soulful love album]. My fans have been waiting and they will get exactly what they’ve been waiting for.

EDK: All of your albums have contained simply awesome music. How is this album going to compare to previous releases?

DJ: [I’ve grown as a producer and as a writer, so it’s going to be the same yet better.] One thing I will never do [though] is change my musical style. [I’ve approached it as if every song from beginning to end could be a single].

EDK: What’s the secret to being consistent and making music that peoplewanttohear?

DJ: Staying true to myself. Most of the songs I write are based on personal experiences. I feel like if somebody out there can relate to what I’m saying then they can appreciate what I do.

EDK: Currently, R&B songs are no longer about love. It’s all about partying and sex. R&B singers act like rappers. What’s your take on this?

DJ: I feel like these younger cats today want to be R&B thugs. A lot of those guys are talented; it’s just the song choices. [Love is what’s missing in today’s music]. [If they tackle more of the things people can relate too, these guys could have fans forever]. I don’t think a lot of the music being played today will be played 15 years from now.

EDK: You’ve worked with many artists from Usher to Madonna. Is there any one in particular that you still desire to collabo with?

DJ: Definitely. Two people: Faith and Mary J. I think that they are both incredible and have distinctive voices that command the crowd. You can feel the emotion behind [their music]. I love those two girls.

EDK: What advice do you give to artists who are new to the industry or those who just want to stay consistent?

DJ: [Stick to whatever style they are coming with it and don’t try to copy somebody else]. Make good music that people can feel and get some emotion from. [That’s what I do].

EDK: Thank you for your time and your contribution to the music world. We appreciate you staying consistent and original. Good quality music is what the music game needs.

DJ: I appreciate it man. Thanks for having me. No doubt.

Donell’s latest release “The Lost Files” can be found on www.Amazon.com, www.iTunes.com or on any online music stores. You can follow him on at www.twitter.com/donelljones96 or www.facebook.com/donelljones96. Videos and latest music updates can be found at www.myspace.com/donelljones and on www.youtube.com/donelljonestv.

2004 was the year and the "college drop out" was on it with this release. Peaking at number sixteen on the Billboard Hot 100, this Grammy-Award winning single is still a crowd favorite. Enjoy

Chi-town native – J. Hollins – vocally harmonizes with amazing quality and vigor. You can feel the passion, desire, hunger and ambition within every layer of his music. This drive most likely originated from the singers amazing journey through the music industry. Hollins was originally discovered while harmonizing in a local group, which led to a record deal with a major label. As the seasons changed, so did the fruitful nature of that opportunity. He further went on to enjoy success overseas with a release of an EP in the UK. After many years of industry ups-n-downs, frustration drove him to become independent of major label schemes, set-backs and disappointments. A life-changing decision was made to go Indie and he hasn’t missed a stride since. Block Bleeders Entertainment came to life with the help of - long time friend - “The Grind King” (Rhasheem Mohammad). Their debut mix tape “This is me” was released back in 2004 and it immediately ripped the Windy City’s airwaves. Mr. Hollins later went on to drop his first full-length album that was justly named “Untitled”, as it is hard to categorize this amazing artist under one style or genre. Donned as the “Rock-n-Soul Star” because of how he smoothly brews R&B, soul, rock, hip hop and gospel all into one; J.Hollins has one exceptional sound. He’s currently preparing to drop a new LP “The Soul Renaissance LP”. I had a chance to speak with the up and coming R&B crooner:

EDK: Tell the readers about your start in such a competitive market?
JH: Basically I’ve been singing since I could talk. [laughing] I was signed to a major label –who I’m not going to name – and that didn’t really work out. Then I was in a group that kind of fizzled out over a period of time. The group broke up, one guy did gospel the other got into real estate. Along the way I ran into couple of old friends and we began dropping mix tapes.

EDK: The new project is called “The Soul Renaissance LP”. What can we expect?
JH: You can expect that same feeling you got when you first heard a Jodeci or Boyz 2 Men CD. Or just like when you play Dru Hill’s first record. You know like when R&B sounded like R&B. Now you can’t tell if you’re listening to Dem Franchise Boyz or Mario. Everybody is chasing the hits so much that they forgot what real R&B was.

EDK: The 2nd official leak off of the album is “I wish”, which is a pretty nice cut by the way. Break down the concept of this song to our readers.
JH: I really went through that! Antoine Jenkins produced that track and he knows everything I’m capable of vocally - even more than I do. Sometimes he pushes me to the point that I want to strangle him then show him love afterwards. He actually sent me the track. I wasn’t feeling it at first. Then my pain began leaking out of the pen. As men we all have made the “Tiger Woods mistake”. You don’t know it’s going to hurt that much until the prospect of losing her comes into play. In short, I was feeling that (emotion) when I recorded it.

EDK: On your website you stated “mainstream R&B is in a soul-less state.” Elaborate.
JH: You used to look forward to a release and you knew that you were getting an R&B record. All this rapping and bull!@$% (these singers do) is not R&B. I’m not saying it’s got to be all classic R&B, but when I play Rhythm and Blues, I want to hear Rhythm and Blues. I want to hear music like Anthony Hamilton, Maxwell or Robin Thicke. It seems like everything else has that rap song bass line to it. Somewhere the lines got blurred. I’m not knockin’ it because even I have some hip-hop features but you can’t blur the lines until you can’t tell anymore. It seems to be all about poppin’ bottles and taking a shorty home. Nobody makes records for the average 9-5 guy or the regular chic anymore. [Everybody aint living like that.
(pause)That’s not the definition of R&B.] The state of R&B music has been brainwashed.

EDK: What are you bringing to the table the help change the current status quo?
JH: I come from a completely different cut of cloth than these other industry dudes. I always keep it 100. [I’m me.] I can do a great Anthony Hamilton but I do a wonderful me.

EDK: What artist/producer do you strongly desire to do collaboration with?
JH: Really? Honestly? Imma be straight up candid...no one. I know what fits me. I know what I’m going for and alot of these beats out here sound like what I’m not looking for. I know my lane. Maybe Eric Roberson if I had to choose one though. I really appreciate what he’s doing. Possibly whoever is behind Musiq Soulchild’s production.

EDK: What advice can you give to those who are new to the game?
JH: This is the music business! With an emphasis on business. Get your business in order!

EDK: Any word on the final release date for the album?
JH: Feb 9th is the album release. Man, I might just put it on the website for free for the first month. The people are so starved for good music that I just want to give it to them, literally.

EDK: Where can your fans keep stay updated and find more of your music?
JH: They can hear the new single “Because of You” at www.JHollins music.com or MySpace. I live on twitter though! [laughing]There’s another J.Hollins on there, that’s not me though. Mine is spelled with a capitol J and a capitol H. Other than that they can Google me.

EDK: There you have it. We appreciate your time J and what you are bringing to the music game, for the better. The new single is bangin'. Imma be sure sure to keep pumpin' your music. We need more artist like you bro.
JH: [Thank you man. 'Preciate for the interview...Peace.]

EDK: Peace.

Be on the look out for the new J.Hollins CD "The Renaissance LP". His sound is not only exciting, soulful and original but it also helps to bring back the "true" sound of R&B that we've been missing. Big ups J. One.

This single comes from Kel's self-titled third album, which sold over 4 millions copies(4x platinum). Hopefully "the pied piper of R&B" has had enough of messing with Mr. Big's girl..lol. Enjoy

I had to go there today, in honor of "The God MC" dropping the new album. This rap duo released over 12 singles between 1986 - 1992, but we all remember this 1987 trendsetting classic the most. Enjoy. By the way.....where is Eric B?

(Rating 5.0/5.0)
When I heard that the one of the most influential rappers of all time (Rakim “The God MC”) had returned, my eyes lit up and my heart began beating hastily. There was a loss for words as my eardrums anticipated hearing the rhythmically original, metaphoric, heavily stylistic and educational flow that first introduced me to hip-hop. “The 5 Percenter” has ascended from the depths of rap music’s turbulent ocean! Rakim’s lyrical periscope is basically responsible for turning simple rapping into an exceptional height of internal rhyming. His influence on the game is pretty much unprecedented. The colloquy genius has given us his blessing with another ground breaking and poetically astonishing LP. In an era where the integrity and quality of hip-hop has been questioned, Rakim has chosen to metaphorically title his 3rd solo album “The Seventh Seal”.
If you are yearning for 56.9 minutes of pure lyrical bliss, then this is the album that you’ve been longing for. Verbs, adjectives, synonyms, antonyms and run-on sentences have been constructed into unmarred poet grammar. Covering every subject from spirituality (“Holy Are You”/“Man Above”) to women (“Pyschic Love”) to criminal activity (“Documentary of a Gangsta”) this album measures up to what is expected from rap monarchy.
Ra chose to envelop his bars around the beats of mostly underground/local producers who further help to solidify this record. It’s not like he needs mainstreamers on his LP to make it jump anyway, so that move is well understood.
Rakim has been recognized on each and every avenue of hip-hop. Almost every trendsetting rapper (Jay, ‘Pac, Ghostface, Em, 50, Killa Priest, Wayne, Nas – to name a few) has paid him homage along the way. A lot of artist could the craft of cleverly dialoging 16-bars from the veteran rap guru; and he acutely reveals this notion on the opening track “How to Emcee”.
This release further reveals Kim’s uncanny ability to raise the bar at any given moment. Every “radio head” can identify with Rakim as he chants his unconditional love for music and conveys his genuine devotion to the rap game on this LP.
Being that the game is currently lacking enough emcees with level-headed content (part of the reason hip-hop had a heart attack) this album is much needed. That’s not a diss to anyone, just a reality. There are still some credible heavy hitters out there, Rakim has only returned to lighten the load.
Ra best describes his current release in the song “Satisfaction Guaranteed” by stating, [...I got what ya’ll need/phiens run up and ask where I been/nuthin’ to get ‘em high/ it’s a bag of Rakim….it turns fans to fanatics/hip-hop heads to addicts/phiens hit off that/deejays cut it/let the streets step on that/still a 100% pure…]
Well stated Rakim. Well stated. The "Seventh Seal" is a must have, great for the IPod or a wonderful stocking stuffer. Shout out to “The God MC” – thank you for helping to keep hip-hop alive.

# of songs on album: 14
# of songs worth a listen: 14