Ish or Shit? Usher ft. Jay-Z "Hot Toddy"

Addictive, but I'll let you be the judge..........Listen here.

What Do We Have Here? - Mini Vid Pops Up With Tahiry Showing Some Goodies

Now the thing with this is, did this leak (not that bullshit leak that everybody keeps saying when they intentionally let stuff out) or is this all a stunt? Beats me. 

Peep here.

J.Cole Wants The Hoesssss (Sort Of)

Hahahaha funny interview with J.Cole with MTV where he mentions on how life backstage wasn't exactly what he thought it would be. 

Read here.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World Review

Even though the movie has yet to hit theaters, the folks at San Diego Comic-Con were treated to a surprise screening. Did the movie live up to the hype? Find out here.

Ish or Shit? - Mos Def and Ski Beatz "Cream of the Planet"

Class in session! Ski Beatz' 24 Hour Karate School project is shaping up quite nicely. Here's the new visual for one of the cuts featuring Mos Def. Very Ish Indeed!

Watch here.

And The Saga Continues..... - Online Lupe Fiasco Petition Continues To Press On

Looks like this petition to have Lupe's upcoming album Lasers released sooner than later is turning into a trend. Peep the interview Mr. Fiasco had with DJ Semtex here.

M.I.A. and Diplo (Producer of Paper Planes) Have Falling Out Over Sound of New Album

In an interview with Blackbook Magazine, famed U.K. producer Diplo of "Paper Planes" fame discussed what he felt was a bad series of moves on M.I.A.'s part, namely "surrounding herself with yes men." 

It's actually an interesting read. I just hope they can resolve their issues and get back to the music.

Read here.

Origins of the Drake "Aston Martin Music" Remix

Well I'll be damned (actually I won't) but not too long after posting the "Ish or Shit?" feature for this Drake track a few days ago, Rick Ross has revealed to MTV how the whole thing came about.

Read here.

Weezer Wants To Change Their Sound Up on Upcoming LP

Alternative rock band Weezer told MTV that they want to tap into more of a "raw rock sound". Here's hoping they actually stick to that plan. Their as-of-yet untitled album is due September 13th.

Read here.

And The Saga Continues.. - Grandson Of John Gotti Peeved With Rick Ross

Turns out Ricky Rozay has more critics of his name choices these days. Carmine Agnello Gotti Jr. spoke to the NY Times on how he feels disrespected that Ross would use the "Teflon Don" moniker that made his grandfather John Gotti famous. Gotti (grandfather), a renowned mob boss of the Gambino family in the 70's-80's, originally used the nickname during his reign. First the real Rick Ross clowns you, then a family member of a former mob boss? It's time to look into a new name.

Read here.

Wow - One Half of The Clipse Actually Hates One Of Their Biggest Hits

Ha! I guess I would feel the same, but then again, I wouldn't have wrote it in the first place. Pusha T actually hates "When The Last Time".

The Clipse x LA Leakers: When The Last Time from LaLeakers on Vimeo.

Jersey Shore Strike Out, then Strike In

So apparently, the self-proclaimed "Guidos of the Tri-State Area" went on strike for more money, but then didn't? Claiming faulty contracts to be at the heart of the matter, the cast refused to film until new ones were made. Issue seems solved, only one key member won't be returning for the third season. Guess who?

Read here.

Damn Homie - Caviar from "For The Love Of Ray J" fame now involved in Porn!!!

My oh My! One day VH1, next day Brazzers. Crazy, ain't it? Apparently, reality TV wasn't paying the checks (you think?), so the hustle got switched somewhere after the credits started rolling. Now normally I wouldn't want to be posting stuff like that, but, we're unbiased here at Rap and Ramen, HOWEVER, you better damn well be 18 or older to watch. 

Watch.

Ish or Shit? - Kid Cudi, Rostam Batmanglij, and Bethany Cosentino "All Summer Long"

Converse is back at it again with their "three artist, one song" campaign, this time using the services of the Cudder and half of Best Coast rock duo, as well as, one-fourth of Vampire Weekend. The vid reminds me of Where The Wild Things Are, but it works for me. Nice.

Watch.

Awww Shit - Lebron James in nWo Parody

When i first saw this, I would die laughing. I still Roffle for it nowadays, but I'm very much alive now. Gotta admit, it's pretty spot on.

Watch.

Ish or Shit? - J.Cole "Premeditated Murder"

That mayne Jermaine came back with a banger, ladies and gentlemen. Let's hope he keeps the buzz going til Cole's World drops later this year.

Listen here.

Illuminati Gets Shut Downnnnnnnn (at least from Jay-Z's perspective)

Remember way back when (in January) when I reported about the occult rumors surrounding hip-hop artist Jay-Z? Well, Mr. Carter finally put the rumblers to rest with a brilliant verse off on the track "Free Mason" on the upcoming Rick Ross album Teflon Don. 

 Peep that here.

Editor's note: Ross really had nothing to say about the whole thing, I believe he just went along for the ride.

Ish or Shit? - Young Jeezy "Ill'in" ft. The Clipse

This song has been out for quite some time on the Trap or Die 2 mixtape with Don Cannon and Jeezy, but hey, it still bangs, right? Peep this right here.

Ish or Shit? - Drake "Aston Martin Music" (Lost Verse)

Mr. Drizzy apparently had to sneak off and do his own form of justice to the original. Better than the Rozay version? You decide..... Listen here.

Ish or Shit? - Two Door Cinema Club "I Can Talk"

New song from the alternative band Two Door Cinema Club called "I Can Talk". Heard it on Alt Nation earlier. Heaven. Expect more later on. Enjoy. Listen here.

Ish or Shit? - Cold War Kids "Audience"

Real mellow track from them Cold War Kids. What you think? Pretty good. Listen here.

Nip/Tuck Cast Reaction to Series' Finale

 

Still kind of heated that it had to end, but all things come to an end sooner or later, right? Cast reactions on the end of an era. Hope Murphy knew what he was doing with this one. Click here.

Yung Berg Alledgedly Robbed and Beaten

Damn, this dude never gets a break and stays copping L's. Why? Karma, maybe?

Check out full story here. (TMZ.com)

Nikon? Racist? Nooooooooo

Apparently, we haven't seen the last of technology offering the occasional bias towards certain races.Sounds like something out of the Terminator series. Read full story here.

Complete Grammy Winner List

 

Been a while, and what's a better way to return than on Grammy Night? The show turned out pretty nice but we all know what really goes on behind the scenes. Oh well, there's still a Santa Claus and this is the complete list of the Grammy Winners. Read here.

Fresh Vids - Julian Casablancas "11th Dimension"

New video for the single "11th Dimension" from the Strokes frontman.

Peep it here.

Charlemagne tells the kiddies "Don't Dumb It Down"

And this is why I respect this man so much. C Tha God (not in the blasphemous sense, people) once again drops knowledge on why you shouldn't stupify yourself for the approval of others. PREACH!!!!

Read article here. (Courtesy of XXLmag.com)

Need To Put The Spotlight On - Cold War Kids

Hailing out of California, the boys from Long Beach have been around since 2004, releasing albums and EP's here and there. Although Cold War Kids are relatively still considered unknown stateside, the band has a huge following overseas, namely the UK. You don't have to be from across the pond to recognize that these guys have an ear for sound and lyrical value. Mostly known for their 2007 single "Hang Me Up to Dry", here's another track from the band called Robbers. Enjoy.

Listen here.

Need To Put The Spotlight On - MIDIMARC (w/ Exclusive Interview)

It really is hard to find talent these days, especially when the Internet is quite oversaturated with people of all genres on the scene. So it's quite a surprise and breath of fresh air to stumble upon South Carolina producer MidiMarc. Producing for well over a decade, Mr. Marc (not to be confused with Mr. Marcus) has truly honed his craft and continues to climb higher with his witty skits and soulful backdrops. Yours truly was blessed to have an interview with the young "Super Producer-In-Training"

Noir Negro: Ok MidiMarc, first of all I have to state that I found your work by word of mouth and I'm glad I took the time out to listen. How long have you been producing for?

Midimarc: I'm glad you're digging the music, thank you! I've been doing my thing since 1997. I started making beats after I heard Wu-Tang Forever (Wu-Tang Clan, 1997).

NN: Hahaha that's a true Hip-Hop fan. Was it any particular track that stuck out to you or was it the album as a whole?

MMarc: Man! As soon as I started Disc One and "Reunited" came on, my life changed! The RZA was still known for heavy sampling, but busted me over the head with fresh violins and what not. I listened to the album everyday for a year and a half, real talk.

NN: Hahaha, I feel you. RZA can have that kind of effect on you (no homo). I've listened to a lot of your projects, such as "MidiMarc Tribute to Michael Jackson" (listen), "The NewPrint w/ Jay-Z" (listen), and the entire Shootin Breeze Instrumental Series, especially the Wario edition (listen). Is it strictly just you behind the boards or do you have a team that helps you out?

MMarc: The Shootin The Breeze Instrumental Series is actually produced by DJ Cannon Banyon and I, he makes beats as well. We won't say who did what on the projects though haha. I do work with other producers though and the collaborations are on the way. Right now, my fellow producers are Hollywood, Cap, A Dot McCray, and Encore.

NN: The lineup already sounds official and I'm a fan of the "Keep it Mum' Production Ethic. You get points with that one. In a day and age where producers are getting more recognition while Superproducers are getting pushed aside, how do you feel about this new surge of creativity?

MMarc: I feel like technology has evened out the playing field somewhat. Nowadays, you have folks fresh out of high school with access to the same software as a 20 year veteran Producer. You can't rest on any laurels anymore. Everyone has to prove that they want it. There's a lot of speculation and opinion on things happening these days with the culture (Hip-Hop). It's still growing, so there are a bunch of questions that haven't been answered yet. Whatever the industry has in store for an up-and-coming producer like myself, I'll be ready.

NN: I like that response. Artist makes the Producer or Producer makes the Artist?

MMarc: Even though dope production is the only thing keeping the music interesting these days, I feel like the artist and producer make each other. Use Gangstarr as an example. Some would say that Guru wouldn't be who he is without DJ Premier, but NOBODY was looking for Premo until they saw what him and Guru was doing. Also, the music that a Producer makes with an Artist creates a sound that he doesn't get while working with someone else. You don't get the same feeling from a Timbaland and Jay-Z song that you get from a Timbaland/Magoo track or Timbaland/Missy track. The artist brings something out of the Producer and vice versa.

NN: That's deep and insightful that you put it that way. Not many cats understand the bond to make magic like that. Normally, rappers have to go out and perform live to get noticed. How do you feel the producer's hustle is any different?

MMarc: I feel like these days since there are soooo many folks trying to rap that you can get a lot done as a producer by simply going to where the rappers are and passing out Beat CD's. It's still a hustle, but dope beats are in a real demand right now at every level of the music industry. From local talent shows and up, everyone needs beats. The hustle is different and the same. It's the same because you need to be seen and your music needs to be heard and it's different because if your production is dope, everyone wants to know you. Beat CD's, remix projects, compilations, you can't go wrong...."if you build it, they will come." haha.

NN: Lmao! I definitely vibe on that statement. Is there any specific artists that you work with right now and is there anytime soon that we can expect more work from you?

MMarc: Right now, I'm working with some great independent artists and producers. I mentioned my producers earlier, but as far as artists go, I'm working on joints with Fat Rat the Czar, Ntelligence, Preach Jacobs, Dan Johns, Big Hodge, L'Daialogue, Boondak Syndicate, Jim Snooka, Deezus, Ron Payton, Singapore Kane, Marly Mar, T-Roc, TrapStar, Open Mike, Hollywood, Diablo Archer,  and Top Billion. The next projects up to bat are: Shooting The Breeze Instrumentals Vol. 4, InDAIPendent: a project with Memphis emcee L'DaiaLogue, and Mediocre: a beat cd made by fellow producer Encore and myself. If there's one thing to expect from me, it's "out of the blue" beat projects. There is nothing better than doing what you love. I'm having so much fun with this music.

NN: And by all means, continue to have fun doing this. You always got to keep that passion going through thick and thin. With the instance that Dr. Dre has delayed his highly anticipated album Detox for yet ANOTHER YEAR, do you feel that you're a perfectionist as well or do you let the fans decide and critique?

MMarc: I don't think i've really tapped into the Perfectionist in me yet. I'll get a glimpse of it when I produce a compilation from top to finish, meaning selcting each rapper and creating a beat for each project like Dr. Dre does. Of course the fans are going to critique the final product, but that's only if I like the beat enough to let anyone hear it. If I don't like it, it's deleted before anyone hears it. A true "tree falling in the woods" scenario.

NN: Good point. Well we'll definitely be paying attention to your moves in this new year and decade. Anything you would like to say to artists on the come-up trying to be successful?

MMarc: It's all about baby steps. Take pride in your work and let the world know that you love and stand by what you do. And anything past two shakes means that you're playing with yourself.

NN: I think that you're going to make it very far in this business. You show talent and humbleness, and that's a rare combo in this industry. You got to keep us updated with the progress as we'll meet again somewhere down the line. Thanks a Milli, Bro.

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Ish or Shit? - Snoop Dogg ft. Jay-Z "I Wanna Rock" (remix)

New remix to "I Wanna Rock" blessed by the Brooklyn MC's 16 bars. Hot or not? This definitely gets play in the club, the whip, and everywhere in between.

Listen here.

Lady Gaga Performance Cut Short Due to Illness

 

Apparently, pop sensation Lady Gaga was unable to continue her performance tonight(Wednesday January 14th, 2010) in West Lafayette, Indiana, due to "fainting". The star further explains that the mechanical setup would have caused further complications, therefore halting the performance entirely. Lady Gaga is currently on the Monster Ball tour.

Ish or Shit? - Julian Casablancas "11th Dimension"

New single from Julian Casablancas "11th Dimension" from his new album Phrazes for the Young. Listen to the single here.

Ish or shit? I'm going for Ish.

Ish or Shit? - Lupe Fiasco "I'm Beaming"

New music from Lupe Fiasco (or if you get the leaks like I do, month old music by Lupe Fiasco) called "I'm Beaming" from the new album Lasers.

Listen here.

Need To Put The Spotlight On - K'Naan

I've been hearing about this guy for a while now, but I never got a real chance to sit down and listen. Damn was I late!!! This gentleman has talent, and although he has political tones to his tunes, you can't help but sit there. Listen to "Waving Flag" here.

Now if only radios would catch on........(Courtesy of Rebecca)

Soul Legend Teddy Pendergrass Passes (R.I.P.)

One of the phenoms in the genre coined "Baby-Making Music", Teddy Pendergrass passed away yesterday (Wed. Jan. 13th, 2010) in a Philadelphia hospital after battling cancer. A legend for many, many years, Pendergrass was known for many R&B classics such as "If You Don't know Me By Now" and "Love TKO".
Listen to "Love TKO" here.
R.I.P.

Click here for article.

Ke$ha Topples Billboard

In an amusing, yet interesting twist, Flo Rida’s former collab partner for “Right Round” has topped the Billboard chart with her debut Animal, jousting Susan Boyle’s project I Dreamed a Dream to No.2.
Congrats but let’s see how the Animal fares next week, stay tuned….

Click here for article (Billboard.com)

Jay-Z Shoots Down Occult Rumors of Illuminati

After weeks and weeks of assaults by bloggers and fans alike, rapper Jay-Z finally stepped out of his silent retreat and addressed the rumors of his “Illuminati” affliation. During an interview with Ed Lover on Wednesday (Jan, 13^th 2010), the Brooklyn MC puts the rumblings to rest. Hear that, no 666’s!!!

(Courtesy of HipHopDX) Listen here for interview.

L'Chaim

So welcome to RapandRamen where the gang and I discuss various things from music to culture to politics while you enjoy a nice experience with music to boot. Think of it as sitting back and reading the paper while sipping on a nice glass of Patron with lemon shot and cherries on the side (might be a little too indulged so don’t get carried away). You get the picture……L’Chaim!