Funny how @MCHammer is dissing Jay-Z, meanwhile, Hov bigs him up in his book, Decoded. – B. Dot

For those that don’t know, Rap Radar’s own B. Dot recently cross the burning sands and became the newest member of the Illuminati. While that previous statement was a joke, he did call it damn near verbatim. Jay-Z sat down with Semtex for an interview on a list of topics. The number one surrounding Hov at the moment involves MC Hammer and his “diss” video, if you want to call it that.

The following audio clip is Shawn’s take on the entire nonsense.

Progression in any craft has always been something to appreciate. In a society of here today, gone tomorrow phenoms its rare for someone to have a sustained gravity. For Blake Kelly it seems he’s progressed from the schoolyard cyphers at Hampton University to hosting college parties and then on to nationwide tours. And now he’s poised to challenge gravity with his latest compilation.

Plane Mode the mixtape is the long overdue follow-up to the Rockstar general’s initial mixtape, Higher Education.  This sophomore mixtape is sure to include a lot of bravado, plenty of love for the opposite sex, and undoubtedly enough weed smoke to catch a contact. Kelly’s steady and deliberate delivery provide potency for the words he speaks. His style similar to his lifestyle has over went some change, in this case change is good when it comes to providing the streets with quality music.

As you can tell by the above clip BK isn’t afraid to smooth out the mood in an effort to get lifted. Nonetheless, he’s given us the chance to double-dip with a quick glimpse into the Rockstarzzz movement in the clip below. Look out for Plane Mode the mixtape scheduled to drop before the new year rings in, and check out RockstarBK.com for more on the Rockstarzzz movement.

Positive or negative, nothing about the past can be altered.

That’s what’s peculiar about nostalgia. Regardless of what happens, the question of the unknown always lingers. Rarely does this happen anywhere more often than with sports. In an environment that thrives on the never-ending wheeling and dealings of trades, releases and free agency, complacency will never assume itself as characteristic familiar with those who call themselves “fans.” The NBA is a league which creates dynasties as quickly as it destroys them, so the mere impact of one decision can effectively make or break a franchise.

But what about the aborted decisions? À la Pau Gasol to Cleveland in early ’07 or Durant to Portland #1 overall. The ones which never spawned into reality, and the ones that don’t even seem reasonable given the way the following sequence of events played out. Over the past twenty years, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant have arguably been the sport’s most competitive forces. They have combined for 11 championships, six regular season MVP’s, eight Finals MVP’s, 26 All Star Game appearances and countless number of game winners. Yeah, for the most part, history has treated the two favorably.

Basking in their glory is fine, but wondering “what if?” is even better. Jadakiss even made a song about it. You see, His Airness – through the unintentional influence of Scottie Pippen – and The Mamba were involved in quite possibly the two greatest missed opportunities in NBA recent memory.

Selective memory would lead most to believe both of the Bulls’ three-peats in the 1990′s were obstacle-free. By the way they dealt with opponents with no blotches on their playoff resume, history will continue to support that. Still, think back to June 1994. Chicago had just completed their first full season sans-MJ and coming off a 4-3 season ending series in the conference semis to the New York Knicks. This is where the immediate and distant future of the NBA would teter in the balance.

Given his recent well earned enshrinement into the Hall of Fame, the fact that Scottie Pippen constantly battled trade rumors throughout his career is often swept under the rug. The most infamous involved “The Reignman” himself – Shawn Kemp. Before you begin to dismiss the deal, remember Kemp averaged 18 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals during the 1993-94 season. For whatever reasons though, the deal did not go through and when asked about the deal in January 1996, Mike and Phil kept it simple and ominous.

“It’s a scary thought, isn’t it?” Bulls coach Phil Jackson said.

“I probably wouldn’t be here,” Michael Jordan said immediately. [Sun Times]

Let’s face it, Jordan not returning in March 1995 changes everything. For one, Chicago doesn’t three peat with Shawn Kemp as their go-to-guy and 72 wins is likely considered an ignorant prediction as opposed to rarefied air. And just for the “you-had-to-be-there-to-appreciate-it” moments, the “flu game” nor does that last shot over Russell take place. A generation’s worth of memories gone if Pippen had been traded back to the team he was originally drafted to in 1987. So if the Bulls didn’t win from ’96-’98, who would? Would Shaq and Penny have stayed together in Orlando? How much does MJ’s legacy change if he ends his career with three rings instead of six? Tons of hypothetical, yet meaningless questions to ponder next time you’re in a bar or at a cookout.

Bonus – Another popular urban Pippen trade myth involved himself, Luc Longley, the Boston Celtics and the third and sixth picks in the 1997 Draft. The story goes the only reason the trade didn’t go down was because Jordan was opposed to playing with rookies. It’s hard to blame the Bulls for looking towards the future especially if they could have taken Chauncey Billups and a young high school talent in Tracy McGrady that year. What’s even crazier is that Pippen would be hobbled by injuries and miss 38 games during the 1997-98 season.

Did you happen to catch the Lakers ring ceremony on Tuesday? Pretty dope, right? Aside from somehow playing the second fiddle to the NBA’s version of The Beatles, things appear to be flowing like a well oiled machine out in Tinseltown. They’re the odds on favorite to repeat and they actually have a better team this year. Yep, life for a Lakers fan truly resembles that of a fairly tale at the moment. A far cry from a mere three and a half years ago.

In 2007, the image of Kobe Bryant was completely different from what is seen today. Many of the fans who currently live and figuratively die by his every dribble had not yet openly admitted so because, let’s admit it, being a Kobe Bryant fan was not considered “cool” for a period of time. He was painted as selfish and one people of his ilk could never play alongside. And of course, the most popular criticism was “he’d never win a ring without Shaq.” After an early exit in the 2007 playoffs and no real viable help outside of Lamar Odom, his relationship with the Lakers hit a boiling point and the Kobe era appeared all but over in Hollywood.

“That place is a mess,” Bryant said, referring to the Lakers’ front office. “If we’re not making strides here to improve this team right now, to be aggressive in that nature, then what’s the point of having me here?

“I would like to be traded, yeah,” continued Bryant, who has led the league in scoring the last two seasons. “Tough as it is to come to that conclusion, there’s no other alternative. It’s rough man, but I don’t see how you can rebuild that trust.” [USA Today]

Things got ugly in a hurry as Kobe claimed it was Lakers owner Jerry Buss who conspired to exile Shaq from L.A. – not him – because of financial reasons and his diminishing skill set. The trade rumors began to resonate at a fever pitch with Chicago being the most popular suitor. However, like a Beyonce pregnancy urban myth, the hearsay had no legs while cooler heads prevailed over what had previously resembled a volatile situation. What happened next? Just the Lakers somehow finagling the most lopsided trade since the Louisiana Purchase when they acquired Pau Gasol for Aaron McKie, Javaris Crittenton and Kwame Brown. It’s been Showtime ever since (minus that Game 6 in the 2008 Finals).

If Kobe goes East, who knows how the balance of power plays out. Would Kobe still be plagued by the stigma of not winning a title as the Alpha dog? Would the Lakers even be relevant today? Is Phil Jackson still chasing Red Auerbach for most championships all-time? And how would an Eastern Conference All-Star line up of Wade-Kobe-LeBron-Bosh-Shaq have looked?

Again, all completely irrelevant questions now that reality has taken its course, but still intriguing to ponder. To see a list of other big name missed opportunities, and there are quite a few, click here.

Do you know what today is? It’s “Smokin’ Dro’s” eight week anniversary. Pending my first grade math is still sharp, eight weeks equates to two months which means a long-term relationship for those with a fear of commitment. As with any bond, however, arguments will happen. So what better way to tie it in than with one of Hip-Hop’s most unique wordsmiths and a song titled after one of sports and entertainment’s most iconic sh!t talkers. WOOOOO!  

Song: “Ric Flair”

Source: Lo Life

Favorite Dro-ism: Dro, you know the rims I ride on knee-high/I be hurtin’ niggas so bad, it make me cry/Light skin paint on the Chevy, that thing T.I./Chain notorious, call that thing B.I.

Lifted Thoughts: Depending which story is told on what day of the week, Lo Life was intended to be Dro’s sophomore album – or at least most of it was. There were the good moments weaved in between the not-so-good, but “Ric Flair” was one of the positives. Then again, there’s also the story of this being some guy named Lil Cali’s record which was slated to be the next big dance craze to sweep the nation. I’m assuming the “Dougie” was simply to powerful to ignore and it just never really caught on.

Regardless, it’s the shortest time-wise of any of the installments we’ve seen thus far, but it’s just just as entertaining. There are your normal materialistic mentions all throughout his verse, so it’s nothing introspective to use in everyday life or anything of that nature. Yet, this type of 16 will always be more entertaining when Young Dro gets to explain its awesomeness.

Download — Young Dro – “Ric Flair”

Check out this brand new Blake Kelly.

One commodity that hasn’t seen any kind of shortage since “The Recession” started has been opinions. Everyone still has their originals about everything pre-Recession, and more than likely have added plenty to the list since then. When it comes to the NBA it’s no different. Although it seems this season many more non-basketball fans have had their opinions in regards to one LeBron James and his infamous Decision. Well guess what, LeBron apparently heard them all and he has a little something to say about it.

In an era where professional athletes 9 times out of 10 approach every interview with a series of scripted answers that neither confirm nor deny any ideas, thoughts, or allegations in regards to the questions they’re asked; it is refreshing to see an athlete react to the criticism. So many times athletes provide the media with the notion that they in fact do not listen to what is said about them on & off their respective arenas that its surprising when an athlete actually acknowledge the presence of their critics.

Nike has for years developed some of the most interesting and memorable ads that strayed away from the norm. Here athletic juggernaut along with LBJ have created another gem that hits straight on without remorse. King James questions his subjects asking the question, “What should I do?” The question presented in rhetorical fashion is not only poignant but direct. James even goes as far as to specifically call out Sir Charles after his harsh criticism of the King’s decision. The ad itself is based on Barkley’s infamous ad where he proclaimed, “I am not a role model.”

Without question this upcoming NBA season will be filled with anticipation, excitement, drama, and great play. That sounds exactly like what David Stern ordered. And thanks to Nike and LeBron the drama has begun a little bit early, take a look.

Signed to the house Russell and Rick built, Def Jam’s newest talent Khalil is poised to deliver on the investment. His debut album Hot Like Summer, which is set to drop in early 2011 has already attracted the lines of Rico Love and Jim Jonsin while securing features from everyone like Young Money’s Lil Twist to the head Diplomat himself, Cam’ron.

While sitting in the office making changes to his office website, the 15-year-old West Coast born (California) and East Coast bred (North Carolina) singer opened up about how he became close friends with Diggy Simmons and Lil Twist, the recent “younger artist boom,” the one record he cannot wait for people to hear and if he could beat Cam’ron in basketball one-one-one.

You grew up with your aunt your entire life. How much of a say-so does she have in the music you release?

Definitely. A lot of records that I have recorded I’ve played for my aunt. She gives me a lot of insight on whether she likes it or not. I feel like I can always bring songs to her because she is honest with me. I know she’s going to tell me the truth. If she doesn’t like the record, she’s going to tell me ‘I don’t like this’ or ‘I don’t think you should play this.’ So yeah, I definitely bring records to her and get her feedback.

You sang “Lately” by Stevie Wonder for L.A. Reid. You also sang “Goody, Goody” by Frankie Lymon and “My Funny Valentine” (Frank Sinatra). Obviously, you have a feel for older, soulful records. Bringing it back to your aunt, does she ever try to say you need to sing ‘like this’ or give you the whole ‘back in my day’ speech?

Yeah, man. Definitely. She was always the type to play the old school music in the car, so I was definitely in with that. Plus, just being YouTube  fanatic I found a lot of songs that I liked – Donny Hathaway, Sam Cooke and a bunch of artists. I discovered artists on my own just listening to stuff on YouTube. I would just find songs and my aunt would tell me sing over it, so really it was all a team effort.

A lot of younger artists are making major moves in the industry – yourself, Twist, Justin Bieber, Diggy and even Willow Smith. How much of a blessing and a detriment do you think it is to have people your age making these same type of moves? You want to be taken seriously as an artist, but you also don’t want to be stereotyped as just apart of the “in thing” right now.

I think it’s definitely a beautiful situation. Despite all the talks of ‘he’s like this artist’ or anything like that, I feel it has to be a beautiful situation to have any other young artists doing their thing because I listen to music so I love hearing great music. If they’re dropping something that I like, then it’s a beautiful thing.

You’ve recorded with Diggy in the past and a single out right now with Twist. How did you cross paths with them and what type of insight on how to maneuver in the business since Diggy has been around it his entire life and Twist has been with the Young Money camp for years now.

Aw, man. We first met up – both of us – through a mutual friend. Actually, the same girl introduced me to both of them. She mentioned that she thought I needed to do a song with Diggy, so she talked to him about it and he was like yeah send him my number. We started talking about records we wanted to do and stuff like that. Once we got into the studio we came up with the first song “We Have A Problem” for his first mixtape [The First Flight] and it took off from there. It’s crazy just to be in a situation where I worked with Diggy and have a friendship with him too.

Really, me and Twist, we just started talking over iChat and one day we were both in New York. I told him to come through one of my studio sessions and we chopped it up saying that we needed to do a record. We ended up doing “Hey Lil Mama” and we’ve got a lot of stuff coming for his album.

I’m sure you’ve seen people achieve success at this age or even younger. Does it ever scare you that  may not have a “normal teenage experience” compared to others your age?

Not really. I’ve thought about it and I just told myself this is what I want I want to do. With the sacrifices I take, I don’t regret anything. I definitely feel like I am blessed to be here. So if I don’t get to do that, then this is the sacrifice I will take to do this.

The Def Jam debut is Hot Like Summer. We spoke about the record with Twist and you have one with Cam’ron as well. Just about the album, is there one song in particular you really want people to hear?

It’s a record called “Dedication.” That’s my favorite record and I did it with Jim Jonsin and Rico Love in Miami. It was super, super crazy. We just came up with the beat first and Rico came through and wrote something crazy to it. The song came out so, so, so out of this world and I can’t wait for the people to hear it. It’s like an upbeat dance song, so all the dancers are going to be going nuts to this song.

Your single now is “Girlfriend Ringtone.” I’m not sure if many people know, but that was actually a Sean Garrett track with a Lil Wayne feature. If you had your choice of any three artists to jump on the remix, who would you pick?

I have to say Drake. I have to say Wayne. I definitely have to say Nicki Minaj [laughs]. I didn’t really mean to pick all three Young Money artists, but that’s really the line up that I’m feeling right now.

It’s been some news about Nas’ letter to Def Jam and Shyne’s comments. In a gist, Nas is upset with the label because he doesn’t feel they have confidence in the album he wants to release. Shyne was basically saying the same thing in addition to claiming L.A. Reid doesn’t care about Hip-Hop. Have you learned any important lessons about the industry you may not have known before hand?

I would have to say don’t wait on anybody else. You need to get the work done yourself. I feel like when you try to let other people guide your career it doesn’t work because no one is as passionate about you as you are. If the work isn’t getting done the way it is supposed to be, then you have to take your career into your own hands. You just have to not wait for everybody else to catch up. You just have to go out and get it.

 That was definitely in general. No specific artists or anything.

You’re a big basketball fan. What are your predictions for this upcoming NBA season? What are the big stories you’re interested in following?

I’ve been hearing a lot of talks about the Miami Heat lately. I’ll clear all that up now – all that’s buffoonery. Kobe’s about to get another ring. That’s all I know. All the talk about LeBron, it’s not going down this year. Please believe, it is going down. The Lakers, man. The Lakers.

Music and basketball have always intertwined with each other. We spoke about Cam earlier. Have you ever seen him play and do you think you could take him one on one?

I’ve never seen Cam play, but I do know if I step on the court with them Hyper Dunks and long gym socks on, you never know. You really never know. I can’t tell you if I could beat him or not because I’d have to see him play. I am telling you that I definitely know I would give him a run for his money.

In all seriousness, Bieber is alright too.

Yeahhhh. Man, I’m telling you [laughs].

We’ll keep it at that. What type of lessons can you take from basketball and apply it to the music industry?

I would have to say the drive and how hard the workers work. When you see how hard Kobe works, that’s how hard you have to go when you’re doing this music. Determination, man. All of that.

To wrap it all up, what would you say has been your one “wow” moment that’s really taken your breath away?

Really, I would have to say being on 106 [& Park]. That’s the most breath-taking moment I’ve had because that’s a show I have been watching since I was a really young dude watching 50 Cent on there. So to be on the show for the longest has been my one “wow ” moment.

Be sure to follow Khalil on Twitter and visit his YouTube page.

During the late 1920s through the early 1930s, Harlem, NYC was the mecca of the African-American universe. It was a cultural movement that consisted of an evolution of literature, art and music. So, anyone from that particular suburb of Manhattan knows what it means to be born and raised there. Since then, the musical mecca has shifted to almost every part of the nation at one point or another. In the 1970s a new art form was presented to the national stage, the genre that we have all come to know and love as hip-hop. It was not centered in Harlem specifically, but in the borough of the Bronx… but it was New York City nonetheless. As history shows us, about every 10-15 years, the rap spotlight shifts back to NYC, and in 2010 the man who many consider would be the one to “bring the Big Apple back” is Cam’Ron’s protégé and fellow Harlemite, Vado.

Upon giving the phrase “slime” national acclaim, on October 12, Vado released his highly anticipated Slime Flu project to the masses. Lyrically he isn’t the sharpest rapper to ever do it, but like artist such as Nas, DMX, and 50 Cent (just to name a few…) he brings a refreshing sound to the game, one that we haven’t heard in a few years. Slime Flu contains 14 tracks, only four of which contain features; and I for one have always enjoyed this tactic because the listener can get more of the artist’s outlook on life, rather than hear a CD flooded with a whole bunch of other rapper’s viewpoints. On the introductory cut “Council Music”, Vado exudes Harlem with a braggadocios flow over an infectious, horn-driven production. Similar to the song previous stated, the concept of bragging, poverty and the drug game is commonly on tracks such as “Polo”, “The Greatest” and “Celebration”; which is a good thing because it gives the project a dimension, rather than just being all over the place.

Though Slime Flu was slated to be a mixtape release, Vado lets his listeners know that there is more than one facet to his rapping style. On the track “Snapped” he spits a catchy narrative about his dealings with an adulterous woman. In terms of features, Vado’s close friend and fellow member of the “Most Hated” click, Jae Millz makes an appearance on “Filthy Game”. The duo has an amazing chemistry, and both verses compliment each other on that normal, slick-talking New York flow. The quintessential eastcoast rap cut on the album would be that of “CrimeSquare”, in which the title artist enlists the help of Griff, helping the EP move along with that mid 90s feel that is always a joy to hear. On the final two cuts, (if it wasn’t expected…) Cam’Ron makes his appearance. “Shooter” is more of a head knocker, and more lyrically focused, while “Speakin’ In Tongues” is the album’s lone club banger. Either way, the U.N. definitely lets us know that they are here to stay.

Though the hooks on the EP can get redundant at certain points, Slime Flu is a great debut from a young, note-worthy emcee. Every track has a message, and Vado’s ability to ride beats and his rap style allows the listener to nod their head from track 1 to track 14 with ease. From the time he burst onto the rap scene about a year ago, he has progressed lyrically and possesses a work ethic that will ensure his staying power in a genre that is forever changing. Vado may not be the best rapper that New York City has ever produced but he definitely has the talent and respect to keep the Big Apple relevant for years to come.

- Oak

As promised. Here is the brand new “Escalators” from ‘the bearded one’– Freeway.

Hit the jump to check out the video. Make sure you request this joint wherever you listen to music, radio, clubs, MTV Jams, 106 & Park, etc. This Jake One produced track bang and the B.I.G sample makes it that much better. Oh and make note of the Jazzy Jeff appearance. As you know from my previous post I been On My Philly Sh*t so I already know Philly is behind him heavy

It’s pretty clear that Free is setting us up for something big (unintentional pun) and much more movement on his part, so I suggest you stay tuned; cause I sure will. Oh and make sure you tell em Liad Put U On.

Baton Rogue product Brittany DeShay

No need for an introduction this week. We think the news links we’ll speak for themselves. It seems like there’s always a lot of drama, news, and craziness during this part of the year. Do people really SHOCK you anymore? Click the links to see if you’ve lost your fear factor.

Sade Says She’s Denied Jay-Z For A Collaboration [BallerStatus]

E-Cycle: The 5 Best Ways To Get Rid of Your Old Gadgets [Complex]

Diddy Sets Sights on NFL Team Ownership [TheBoomBox]

Batman Exists And He Robbed A McDonald’s, Also Drives A Honda [GammaSquad]

Pot & The NBA [High Times]

Former NFL star Junior Seau drives car off cliff, police say [CNN]

Mike Tyson Sued for $25 Million [TMZ]

Why She Stopped Wanting To Sleep With You [AskMen]

Corona drinkers: watch where you squirt that lime! [MSNBC]

Scream My Name: 12 Porn Star Rap Aliases [HipHopWired]

The 10 Worst Heisman Trophy Winners of All Time [Bleacher Report]

Grade A: Marsha Ambrosius And Her Ballad Of Hope

Grade A: When Trevor Battled Shawn…

 Follow Grade A Certified on Twitter @GradeACertified