tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39234808847125407872011-11-27T18:22:09.922-05:00This page is more than a blog, it is a source for well-written insight into the music industry by a writer who is passionate and informed about the industry. Read a few entries, and I guarantee you will be hooked.Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.comBlogger331100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-42312257468583583792008-11-01T16:27:00.003-04:002008-11-01T16:34:28.067-04:00

Kid Cudi mentioned this guy Chip Tha Ripper on his song "Dat New New" a few months back, and kind of sparked my interest in the character. Then, Chip was featured on the Kidz in the Hall album and on Cudi's legendary mixtape A Kid Named Cudi. Chip released a mixtape about a month ago entitled Can't Stop Me. It's pretty dope. His style is nothing like Cudi's, but when they hop on a track together

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-34962957841736098572008-11-01T16:20:00.003-04:002008-11-01T16:27:36.274-04:00

Mr. Fiasco always throws curveballs. Whether it's songs like Hurt Me Soul where he lists all the world's ills, or a concept album based on three characters like The Cool, he's innovative to say the least. I know we've all been expecting new shit from Lupe, and as he said on his last album, the upcoming one will be his last.The album is entitled LupEND, and according to a show he recently did at

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-19666998190416321622008-06-18T22:35:00.005-04:002008-11-01T16:19:53.562-04:00

I hate tri-colored Dunk's and SB's. I hate "rare" Bape's and "essential" Japanese kicks. I hate those people who are so crazy about the "sneaker game" that they buy more pairs than their local sneakershop houses and wear them less often than homeless people could dream of.The fact is, people nowadays have an obsession with a sneaker game that takes advantage of their stupidity.So, focus on making

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-89709044000029280092008-06-06T11:21:00.003-04:002008-06-06T11:36:59.475-04:00

Hey ya'll. I must say I'm happy to be writing again for your reading pleasure...and after writing two beautiful gems this morning on some real shit, I'm just going to break you off with a playlist. It's not a current playlist. It's not an oldschool playlist. It's not the ONLY playlist. This is just shit that I am listening to right now and enjoying. So take it, love it, destroy it from your

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-42345489372551158002008-06-06T10:57:00.002-04:002008-06-06T11:16:57.639-04:00

Last time I mentioned an artist on the "Come-Up" to you guys, he went by the name of Wale, and I hate to say I told you so. But, I did. Since my December post, Wale has signed with Interscope Records, been featured in Vibe and GIANT Magazines and has recieved crazy press. He also recently released a new mixtape with turntablist Nick Catchdubs, and is working on another with dream-merchant 9th

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-42280364509950554922008-06-06T10:45:00.002-04:002008-06-06T10:56:56.563-04:00

Hey everyone, I haven't written in a while, but I'm back in full swing and the summer shall bring new...news. So there's been some hot music as of late, from Erykah Badu's overdue return, to the new Roots album to the Estelle's sophomore album and the Cool Kids EP. All of these albums are great, and really different sounding, but it's definitely a relief to hear artists still making music, with

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-70333038075230489582008-04-02T19:50:00.000-04:002008-04-02T19:51:15.232-04:00

The Roots are hip-hop’s most musical group, there’s no doubt about that. With influences from Jazz, neo-soul, and old school hip-hop, they're one of the most "alternative" groups in or out of hip hop. From their first days almost two decades ago to their most recent album, Rising Down, The Roots have been among hip-hop’s premiere cult groups. Anyone that truly loves music and feels that there are

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-50209071666699054002008-02-20T22:32:00.000-05:002008-02-20T22:33:01.860-05:00

Nigger. The most negatively charged, racist and hateful word a person can actually say in public. A word that marks the struggle and hatred that millions of African-Americans have seen for hundreds of years. A word that is so inconsequentially and thoughtlessly tossed around in conversation and recitation of lyrics by white boys who love rap music. A word that can cause an argument, a

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-20884985085927738672008-01-28T22:34:00.000-05:002008-01-28T22:43:27.990-05:00

It's true! Missy Elliot is making a comeback! She has been in the studio, and has recently released two new singles for her upcoming album, including "Ching A Ling." The single will be featured on the soundtrack for the Step Up 2 Movie. It will also be featured on her new album due to release in May under Atlantic. Keep an ear out for new music!

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-67679564804448547552008-01-28T22:21:00.000-05:002008-01-28T22:32:42.767-05:00

So, as I ran a feature on Wale a few months ago and how he's been coming up in the game in a big way, I'm doing the same on a very eclectic and creative sounding artist named B.o.B.The Atlanta-bred rapper started his rise in the game when he was just 15, as he started producing tracks for local Atlanta acts. Eventually, he caught the eye of some label heads, and the rest, they say, is history. He

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-60038210535108652142008-01-10T13:03:00.000-05:002008-01-10T14:55:45.300-05:00

So there's this new singer/rapper/songstress Estelle from across the pond, and she is the first signee to John Legend's record label, Homeschool Records. She has an amazing sound, she's very soulful, original, and extremely funky. She has the support of Kanye, which is definitely going to be huge for her career. Her first song out actually features the recent Graduate, and it's called "American

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-67525260944569835292008-01-08T12:45:00.000-05:002008-01-08T12:56:31.209-05:00

The one and only Ghostface Killah released his latest album, "The Big Doe Rehab" on the first week in December, and I apologize for not yet reviewing it. I also bought the Scarface, Wyclef, and Daft Punk that week, and just haven't quite gotten around to listening to Ghost until this week. Anyway, the album is crazy. I have always been a Ghostface and Wu fan, but Ghost killed his latest album

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-26499337784458898312008-01-03T15:37:00.000-05:002008-01-03T15:56:15.060-05:00

Hey everyone! First off, happy new year to everyone reading this, I hope that everyone got to celebrate and bring in an amazing 2008. So, before there's anything coming out and we start to get excited about new acts and releases, we can look back at an active and abundant 2007.2007 saw some phenomenal releases and projects, so let's break it down.Best Albums of 2007 ~Lupe Fiasco - The Cool This

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-37032177153292686982007-12-19T15:23:00.000-05:002007-12-19T15:43:53.307-05:00

It's been said the last quarter of 2007 would be the music industry's last stand, in the record stores, at least. With such a statement up in the air, the line up of artists did not disappoint. From 50 Cent to Jay-Z to Kanye and Lupe Fiasco, to the return of Wu Tang, there were some amazing and monumental releases these past few months. Regardless, with sales constantly and surely declining, it's

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-972077262618554912007-12-18T18:16:00.001-05:002007-12-18T18:43:08.895-05:00

DC-bred Wale has recently hit the scene in a major way, with being featured on the cover of URB Magazine and being featured as the single of the week on iTunes. He first came on the scene with a feature on Lily Allen's "Smile." Mark Ronson quickly signed him on his own label, Allido Records, to join hip-hop's hottest sophomore, Rhymefest, young crooner Daniel Merriweather, and world renowned DJ's

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-42503181082096799752007-12-18T08:45:00.000-05:002007-12-18T18:46:43.569-05:00

Lupe Fiasco's new album dropped in record stores a few hours ago, and I have been losing my mind listening to this album. I feel as if I have not heard good music for decades before today. The album begins with an "Eardrum"-esque spoken word poet on the intro, leading to an inspirational chant-song in "Free Chilly." The album then quickly goes into arguably the three best tracks off the record, "

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-59828886626541522422007-12-16T18:46:00.000-05:002007-12-16T19:14:31.526-05:00

It's the final weekend of the record industry's 2007 calendar year, and one of its newest contenders will be stealing the spotlight in two days with his sophomore album. Lupe is the last heavyweight from the enormous 4th quarter to release an album, and there has been a tremendous amount of controversy and expectation leading up to this album, and everyone's bets are still on Mr. Fiasco. This

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-42795245709001198562007-12-16T18:42:00.001-05:002007-12-18T18:51:15.598-05:00

So there's been a lot of acclaim for the newly released Wu-Tang album. It's been over five years since their last group effort, and die-hard fans of the Wu are definitely disappointed with the latest effort. There's been a lot of controversy surrounding the album's release, from rumors of disagreement between Wu members Raekwon and Ghostface with the Rza. Ghost and 'Kwon claimed that Rza was

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-82861292385223507652007-12-11T14:50:00.000-05:002007-12-12T02:46:02.699-05:00

So there have been rumors lately about Jay-Z's possible move from the head position over at Def Jam. He has released two solo albums with Def Jam, and has been the driving force behind some epic-selling records, from Ne-Yo to Rihanna. However, his contract is finally up, and though Jay and Def Jam have begun negotiations for a new contract, there has been a lot of action elsewhere. Sony has

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-91315139237056261972007-12-10T01:25:00.001-05:002007-12-10T01:30:11.902-05:00

Lupe Fiasco - The CoolestWale - Nike BootsDJ Drama - Cannon(Remix)Throwbacks:The Game - I'm a SoldierJay-Z - Dear SummerLil' Wayne - BM Jr.The Clipse - Cot Damn

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-17367901632449038172007-12-05T14:39:00.000-05:002007-12-05T14:45:24.135-05:00

Outkast - The Art of Storytellin' Part 4Lauryn Hill - Take Too Much(Rich Man)Wyclef Jean - Heaven's in New YorkDaft Punk - Television Rules the Nation/Crescendolls (Live)Freeway - Baby Don't Do ItScarface - Girl You KnowBusta Rhymes/Q-Tip/Talib Kweli - LightworksGhostface Killah - Yolanda's House(feat. Method Man & Raekwon)Bonus Older Pick ~ Eminem - I'm Back

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-71608903656800342212007-12-04T18:12:00.000-05:002007-12-04T18:25:10.787-05:00

So, Lil' Wayne aka Dwayne Carter, recently turned 25 years old, and with all the attention he's been getting recently, you'd think he was the messiah of hip-hop. The thing is: maybe he is. Wayne has released 5 studio albums to date, starting when he was just 17 years old. Only two of these have had mass critical acclaim, but in the last year he has seemingly taken over the industry and all it has

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-28183877977772024012007-12-04T18:08:00.001-05:002007-12-04T18:11:25.706-05:00

Now, a lot of people have jumped on the bandwagon and have come to like the French-bred duo after Kanye sampled them for "Stronger," but these guys are really much bigger than that little snippet sample. Their new album, "Alive 2007," was recorded as they performed live in hometown Paris for over 20,000 fans. They blend over twenty tracks together into about 12 CD tracks, and it's some amazing

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-53358435651690021812007-12-04T18:03:00.000-05:002007-12-04T18:07:47.800-05:00

There have been some mixed reviews and previews of the Immigrant's new album, but I am not exactly sure where that mix is coming from. Wyclef is not quite a revolutionary, but certainly qualifies as a missionary for music's cause. He's different, creative, eclectic, lyrical, hopeful, and amazingly talented. I don't want to give too much of the new album away, but I will tell you this: You should

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-11098257694426732162007-12-04T17:54:00.000-05:002007-12-04T18:02:53.232-05:00

Monster Mixtape-DJ and self-proclaimed "iPod King" DJ Drama has released his newest effort today, a "Gangsta Grillz" full album. Though Drama has released over 17 mixtapes in the Gansta Grillz Mixtape Series, this is his first legitimate feature-length album. He called the project a "Gangsta Grillz mixtape on steroids," and the claim stays true. He brings along so many industry heavyweights for

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-85655396068265149882007-12-04T17:51:00.000-05:002007-12-04T17:54:11.440-05:00

In the latest of a slew of unfortunate news surrounding the rap industry, Pimp C was found dead in his hotel room in Los Angeles. The UGK member had just been released from prison a few years ago, and along with cohort Bun B, seemed to be climbing back to hip-hop royalty. The Texas-bred rapper was only 33. When more details are released, I will update the story. May he rest in peace and I wish

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-45280056589860245272007-11-29T12:35:00.000-05:002007-11-29T13:24:27.179-05:00

So I was just on a music news website and I saw the updates of this week's record sales. Alicia Keys went platinum second week, with only one single-"No One." Fergie, after being on the top 100 charts for over a year, has sold close to 3 million albums. Kanye is barely over platinum, and Jay-Z is three weeks in and struggling at a little over 600 thousand. Freeway has sold less than 100 thousand

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-70007842310564513762007-11-21T14:43:00.001-05:002007-11-21T14:52:06.847-05:00

DJ Drama - 5000 One'sTalib Kweli - Hot Thing (Remix)Lil Wayne - GossipLupe Fiasco - SuperstarNas - Surviving the TimesUnlikely Bonus: Freeway - Walk Wit Me

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-77243045398657353802007-11-21T13:04:00.000-05:002007-11-21T13:15:11.278-05:00

Florida's own Flo-Rida is Miami's newest artist of note, following in the steps of Trick Daddy, Pitbull, Rick Ross, and Brisco. Flo released his first single "Birthday" early this year and grabbed the streets with an anthem that got radio play for months. Then, early this summer, T-Pain joined Flo for this year's biggest hit, "Low." This song is in heavy rotation at every nightclub on any given

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-36814759517728937942007-11-21T12:49:00.000-05:002007-11-21T12:58:11.168-05:00

Jay-Z's new album "American Gangster" is a classic. Period. With production from the Hitmen and DJ Toomp and Just Blaze, features from Bilal, Lil Wayne, and Nas, and just Jay's lyricism alone makes this album just perfect. It's smooth, soulful, anthemic, lyrical, and creative, and Jigga's fans are so happy to see him return with such a fire under his belly. Jay has given us a gift with this album

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-17416890298505573082007-11-20T13:20:00.000-05:002007-11-21T12:49:10.843-05:00

This year has definitely been a hot one for the industry and the game's best and biggest artists, from Kanye West to Jay-Z to Common and T.I. 2007 has seen its fair share of classics, but the next 6 weeks will mark the release of several more monster albums. Let's look at a breakdown of the weeks ahead.November 20th ~Freeway - Free at Last. The Philadelphia hometown hero is back with his

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-522462997240735732007-11-20T13:08:00.000-05:002007-11-21T13:03:50.476-05:00

DJ Drama, best known for his Gangsta Grillz Mixtape Series, is releasing his first official album, aptly titled "Gangsta Grills: The Album," on December 4th. DJ Drama became well-known after being the resident DJ for TI's Grand Hustle imprint. His new album features heavyweights Young Jeezy, Young Buck, Jim Jones, T.I., Rick Ross and Lil' Wayne. The album's first single, Jazzy Pha-produced "5000

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3923480884712540787.post-22529642019515148722007-11-19T13:49:00.000-05:002007-11-20T13:07:39.787-05:00

Miami rapper Plies has a new video out for his song "100 Years." The song is about the justice system's faults, and young black men getting locked up for extensive sentences while the white guys seemingly get away with it. It's questionable, but it's the man's opinion and he is undoubtedly sticking to it. However, it's a little extreme. In the video, he shows a black man getting sentenced to jail

Dan Buyanovskynoreply@blogger.com0