West Coast Connection Forum
DUBCC - Tha Connection => Outbound Connection => Topic started by: flipmode123 on April 24, 2008, 12:59:43 AM
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FROM A LISTENING PARTY FOR "BLESSED"
The first song that hit the air was “Don’t Believe Em” feat. Akon & T.I.(produced by Cool & Dre): This was one of many anthems that were heard over the course of the night. With a signature Cool & Dre banger you hear two men express there frustrations with an overwhelming amount of legal conflicts in their lives. The song itself is a great example of how the majority of this album is a reflection of his life. We never see Busta on a Top Ten Lyricist or any such accolades, yet when he consistently has kept it funky, and brought good music, we ,as consumers of this music, need to realize how much this person has given to us.
Next is the aforementioned(here’s some pics of the video) “We Made It” feat. Linkin Park (produced by Cool & Dre): This is a monumental anthem where Busta states “Mike Shinoda is a REAL EMCEE”. He goes on to tell us that this song is a first because this is the first time an original song was done with a rapper and Linkin Park(all of Linkin Park). Now for those that don’t know the Jay-Z stuff was a mash up and we are not going to include stuff Mike has done with his group Fort Minor. After a long conversation about the severity of this collabo he went into a campaign for new video director RAGE, stating
” Rage is one of the most phenomenal directors. He has taken the biggest sacrifices that no other director has before for me. He set a new standard”
The next song: “Decision” feat. Common, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, & Jamie Foxx (produced by Mr. Porter) I going to admit had me “home”, after the song I had to exclaim that I was home and proceed to take my dress shoes, Busta followed and we went our with the rest of the comments. This joint is crazy, words truly to not articulate what I feel about this production. Busta when on to tell us about Mary’s significance on the record ” Mary called me a couple times to just to tell me that she was there for me”. In times when rappers seem to be put behind the wrong type of bars we see a very reflective Busta with the hooks being laced by Mary, John, and Jamie. At the first drop of the song the bass and piano are distinctive.
Then we went on to a few more songs I’m not going to go into details but here is a few:
“Right Now” (Prod. Focus & Dr.Dre) - This is a club banger.
“I’m Go and Get My…” (Prod. DJ Scratch) - The sample is insannnneee..if you know the movie you will go crazy when you here it.
“IF” feat. Nicole from the Pussycat Dolls (Prod. by Rick Rock) - Melodic Club Anthem. We argued between this one and “G-Stro”(Prod. by Pharrell) both are very nice tracks but this one seem to win over the group.
“Blown” feat. T-Pain (Prod. Cool & Dre) - This track is by far the biggest anthem track that I’ve heard T-Pain do and no matter how many tracks T-Pain has done this one surpasses all of them. Busta’s lyrical prowess on this entire album is far greater than what we’ve heard on a T-Pain track before.
“Throw It Up” feat. Lil’ Wayne & Ludacris (Prod. Cool & Dre) - This track was murdered by Wayne and Luda, we listened to it minus Busta’s verse since it wasn’t recorded yet but I must say Cool & Dre did the album justice.
“Kill Dem” feat. Tosh(Newly Sign Flipmode Artist)( Prod. Pharrell) - Kill Dem is a throw to Jamaican Busta, shout out to Jamaica Ave.
“Let Me Show You” (Prod. by Busta Rhymes & DJ Scratch) - This one is for the 30 and above with a Michael Jackson sample that will have you two stepping the night away.
“Hits 4 Days” feat. J. Holiday (Prod. by Dready Beats) - Fresh off the Bishop Lamont mixtape we see Dready Beats. Busta: ” J. Holiday knows he is good”.
“If You Don’t Know Now You Know” Feat. Big Tigger (Prod. by Focus) - Okay so a very different track but we see in Big Tigger and Bussa Bus in Interview Format rhyming back and forth. This track is very different yet it almost had that same back and forth type feeling as “Warning” by Biggie, except in interview format.
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If this is real then the album sounds like its gonna be a monster!
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“Right Now” (Prod. Focus & Dr.Dre) - This is a club banger
that doesn't sound good :P
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WAYNE????
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoo
I fucking KNEW it ...why the fuck does he have to be on everybody's records ... I know I will hate the track despite luda and busta :(
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Sounds like he played a bunch of tracks he's considering for the album, I doubt that all will make the final cut.
Lots of Cool N Dre, they can be a hit or a miss, that Nicole/Rick Rock joint sounds suspect. I hope Dre has 3,4 beats in the end.
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can't believe this is actually comming out, its a fucking miricle. If those tracks are half as good as what he makes out its gonna be solid.
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Maybe one of the reasons that it's coming out so quickly is that Dre isn't involved. Maybe he'll only have 1 or 2 joints. We won't know till we hear the final product but it makes sense to me, that's why 50 is able torelease album every 2 years, he doesn't want to wait on Dre.
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its set for a 1st july release
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looks dope! :o :o :o
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“Don’t Believe Em” feat. Akon & T.I.(produced by Cool & Dre)
WOW. What a fuckin original choice
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sounds dope, i dont really care about Dr.Dre not being on it anyway its not like Dre was around him during his career
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Maybe one of the reasons that it's coming out so quickly is that Dre isn't involved. Maybe he'll only have 1 or 2 joints. We won't know till we hear the final product but it makes sense to me, that's why 50 is able torelease album every 2 years, he doesn't want to wait on Dre.
yeah they can do their projects on their own.
Dre can just focus on Detox and the reformation.
go touring after the drop of Detox
then see if it's possible to get interscopes support for bishop's album, if not, work something out to drop it somehow,
then retire as a CEO of aftermath entertainment and get the fuck away from interscope and just focus on what he does best, producing ;)
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you actually think dre will tour after detox? i thought the nigga refuses to leave his big ass house
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Cool & Dre better not fuck this up!!!
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Cool & Dre better not fuck this up!!!
they wont
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It looks real promising. I'm not too thrilled about a couple of the guest spots but all that matters is if it's good or not. I'm looking forward to this.
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Godddddddddddddddddddddddddd, I don't like Cool & Dre like that. The fuck man. I was hopin' for at least one Swizz Beatz or somethang.
Why ain't 'Don't Touch Me' on this write up too???!!
These sound tight.
The next song: “Decision” feat. Common, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, & Jamie Foxx (produced by Mr. Porter) I going to admit had me “home”, after the song I had to exclaim that I was home and proceed to take my dress shoes, Busta followed and we went our with the rest of the comments. This joint is crazy, words truly to not articulate what I feel about this production. Busta when on to tell us about Mary’s significance on the record ” Mary called me a couple times to just to tell me that she was there for me”. In times when rappers seem to be put behind the wrong type of bars we see a very reflective Busta with the hooks being laced by Mary, John, and Jamie. At the first drop of the song the bass and piano are distinctive.
“Right Now” (Prod. Focus & Dr.Dre) - This is a club banger.
“I’m Go and Get My…” (Prod. DJ Scratch) - The sample is insannnneee..if you know the movie you will go crazy when you here it.
“Let Me Show You” (Prod. by Busta Rhymes & DJ Scratch) - This one is for the 30 and above with a Michael Jackson sample that will have you two stepping the night away.
“If You Don’t Know Now You Know” Feat. Big Tigger (Prod. by Focus) - Okay so a very different track but we see in Big Tigger and Bussa Bus in Interview Format rhyming back and forth. This track is very different yet it almost had that same back and forth type feeling as “Warning” by Biggie, except in interview format.
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And what about that other joint that Meho bumped up a minute ago?
And I don't know about Cool & Dre. They shit is too soft like. :-\
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Well i'm looking forward to this!!
Been listening to Big bang 8) 8) 8) 8)
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And what about that other joint that Meho bumped up a minute ago?
And I don't know about Cool & Dre. They shit is too soft like. :-\
Cool n dre are alright, they might surprise us and bring out something Hard,you Know??
Though that Game track Big Dreams, was not bad!
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doesn't look that good
and only one dre beat and it's only a co-Dre beat, prob a left over beat too
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And what about that other joint that Meho bumped up a minute ago?
And I don't know about Cool & Dre. They shit is too soft like. :-\
word, I want busta on some hard gutter shit
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i don't him only having 2 -3 Dre joints as long as there on that Break Ya Neck level
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Hopefully Dre has a few tracks, 3,4,5.. and hopefully he mixes the majority as well, if he has time of course ::)
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thinking back to big bang ...they had a listening session with tracks like Imagine and anotherone with Rae that didn't make the album and a few were still missing so I hope there are some major changes ahead for this record ...
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I expected something totally different from Busta's first Aftermath release, hope he turn it up a notch for this one.. Don't wanna be dissapointed twice!
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lol at people wanting dre tracks. busta is likely gonna get nothing from dre.
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Hopefully Dre has a few tracks, 3,4,5.. and hopefully he mixes the majority as well, if he has time of course ::)
lol at the sarcasm :laugh:
don't expect major Dre involvement like last time ;)
like i said before, i rather see Detox drop Detox than those aftermath releases.
the formula is getting old.
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As all the invited guests got settled in the confines of Platinum Sounds Studio, it is hard not to notice a strange vibe in the air. With a sound bite of Busta Rhymes spazzing out on some journalists recently circulating around the internet, it is no surprise the majority of the attendees seem careful of their every move. Upon Busta entering the room, that vibe is reinforced tenfold. The general of the Flipmode Squad apologizes for being a bit tardy and promptly informs everyone that all electronic devices have to leave the room. No questions asked.
After the spicy request, Busta clears up the blow up at a previous listening session. Some journalist folks came with an automatic ice grill and son wasn’t having it. He thanks everyone for coming through and explains why the very unusually straightforward title I'm Blessed (Flipmode / Aftermath) coming from an artist who has had a track record for involved album names. Busta had four pending cases in one year, which is a record in Rap. All in all he got off light with probation. On top of that he saw his bodyguard go down in a hail of gunfire right in front of him and he is still here. Title makes sense right?
With all in attendance on the same page now Busta takes a seat. It’s obvious that dude is in great spirits as he leans back, kicks off his crisp pair of white Adidas Shell Toes, lights up a Newport and pours himself a drink. A CD is passed on to the engineer and the fifteen year vet cracks a big smile as he invites everyone to enjoy.
“Don’t Believe ‘Em” Featuring T.I. and Akon
Produced By Cool & Dre
As Busta explains it, this track was inspired by a conversation between Bus and T.I. at the rehearsal at last year’s BET Hip-Hop awards. Needless to say T.I. got booked an hour later and this joint was born. Piano keys are the first thing heard as Akon sets the tone for his comrades. Busta comes in with his bulletproof double time flow over thunderous drum rolls and guitars. Akon comes back on the hook and T.I. employs a speedy delivery as he touches lightly on his case. Bus plays clean up nicely and you get a strong album cut.
“We Made It” Featuring Linkin Park
Produced By Cool & Dre
Somber keys play a prominent role in this hyped emotional selection. A regular cadence splashed with a dash of double time gymnastics are employed by Busta. Noisy electric guitars are married perfectly with lead singer Chester Bennington’s inspirational vocals on the hook (“Together we made it / We made it even though we had our backs up against the wall / Forever we made it / And they told us we were never going to get it all”). A very much slept on Mike Shinoda plays his position on the second verse. A different look for a first single from Mr. Rhymes, but it works regardless.
“Decision” Featuring Jaime Foxx, Mary J. Blige, John Legend and Common
Produced By Denaun Porter aka Mr. Porter
Fake friends and true friends alike are addressed on this R&B smoothed-out monster. Crisp drums are blended with cool ass keys courtesy of John Legend. Jaime Foxx kills it off top and Busta comes through with one of his most heart felt verses in some time. Mrs. Mary J. gives the hook her golden touch and Common’s slicker than most lines sound right at home over lush pianos. Powerful music right here.
“Right Now”
Produced By Focus & Dr. Dre
Another sonic masterpiece provided by the Aftermath camp. Busta sounds like he owns the city with this celebratory album cut as he asks listeners to put their hands in the air over the hook. Additionally, a dense air is added to his vocals for added effect.
“I’m Going To Get Go And Get Mine”
Produced By DJ Scratch
If people think Scratched blacked out on “New York Sh*t,” then they got something else coming with this one. The infamously funny clip of Mike Epps placing his lotto numbers from All About The Benjamins is played out as the intro and is then chopped and flipped into some brollic street ish on the hook ("Imma go and get my 45 / Over on 47th / Be back in 15 minutes or even 30 / Be back with 37 ni***s with them 38's"). Scratch supplies funky grooves for Busta to talk greasy over. One of toughest joints you will hear this year hands down.
“If”
Produced By Rick Rock
This is a throwback to late 90’s Busta when he was going hard with that sexy ish (Pause). West coast beatsmith Rick Rock cooks up some intricate pianos and adds some xylophones for this bouncy record aimed at the ladies. Whispering included for added measure. Think “I Love My Chick” meets “I Know What You Want.”
“G Stroll” Featuring Pharell
Produced By The Neptunes
The first obvious disappointment of the night. Pharrell tries to sexy things up with him hollering at females on the track, while Busta runs through some soft drums and The Neptunes’ trademark synthesizers. Not that this joint is a total brick, but it doesn’t connect as well as the previous ones. Point blank, this has been done already and done better.
“Blown” Featuring T-Pain
Produced By Cool & Dre
The influence of recording this album in Miami is clear on this record. DJ Khaled opens things up with a sermon for the hood. Thick drums roll out and Busta’s machine gun flow energizes things up instantly. T-Pain bodies the hook with the auto-tune and what results in a heater that would have probably ended up on Plies’ lap. This will definitely get steady burn in the whip.
“Throw It Up” Featuring Ludacris & Lil Wayne
Produced By Cool & Dre
Not to sound cliché but this record is a problem. Cool & Dre provide a monstrous beat filled chunky synth notes and chopping high hats. Lil Wayne comes in first with an all you can eat buffet of his oversimplified but still reliable metaphors (“You don’t want beef / I’ll put you on a diet”). Not to be outshined Luda gets it in as well (“My ni***s fight over ice like we playing hockey”). Busta thinks this record is so hard, he hadn’t laid his verse yet. He wants to take his time with this one.
Verdict
As the last record times out, Busta extends another thank you to everyone present. He starts to engage in regular conversations with the crowd and shows much love to Flipmode lieutenant in charge Spliffstarr as he joins the festivities as well.
With a couple of more records in the stash, I’m Blessed seems to follow in the suit of its very noteworthy predecessor The Big Bang. There are no frivolous skits and or unnecessary filler as this effort will clock in at twelve or thirteen tracks. While this album may not be sewn together sonically where all the beats share a common aesthetic ala The Blueprint, I’m Blessed packs a lot of heaters. In the company of some suitable additions, this carries the potential to land on anyone’s 2008 list.
source: http://allhiphop.com/stories/reviews.../19782935.aspx
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“I’m Going To Get Go And Get Mine”
Produced By DJ Scratch
If people think Scratched blacked out on “New York Sh*t,” then they got something else coming with this one. The infamously funny clip of Mike Epps placing his lotto numbers from All About The Benjamins is played out as the intro and is then chopped and flipped into some brollic street ish on the hook ("Imma go and get my 45 / Over on 47th / Be back in 15 minutes or even 30 / Be back with 37 ni***s with them 38's"). Scratch supplies funky grooves for Busta to talk greasy over. One of toughest joints you will hear this year hands down.
I like the sound of this one.
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I am lokingforward to this, I thought Big bang was pretty dope, Busta usually makes a few hits on each album I really dig.
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With 17 years under his belt, Busta Rhymes is by far a veteran in the hip-hop industry. That being said, there was a certain level of excitement in the air as a small group of folks gathered at Platinum Studios in Midtown Manhattan eagerly waiting to hear the new material from his eighth studio album, Blessed, in stores and online July 1st.
The guests in attendance chitchatted and helped themselves to plenty of delicious food and top quality drinks. Busta was amped and occasionally surveyed the room, making sure that everyone was taken care of and having a good time. The legendary DJ Scratch was amongst those present for the occasion. He received a warm introduction from Busta, who acknowledged the vital role Scratch has played in his career, having a hand in the production of every Busta Rhymes album to date. Producers Sean C and LV of Grind Music also made an appearance; the two are behind the production of Busta’s explosive single, “Don’t Touch Me (Throw Da Water On ’Em).”
Before the listening session began, Busta addressed the audience by discussing the trials and tribulations he has endured and its significance in the making of the album. “I valued what I had to say more than any other time,” he stated. He also gave thanks to the powers that be for getting him through the past two years of turmoil. “The most high put his hands on me and I’m blessed.”
Rap-Up.com had the opportunity to take an exclusive first listen to nine tracks on Blessed.
1. “We Made It” featuring Linkin Park
Produced by Cool & Dre
This song is very different from Busta’s usual sound. It has more of a rap/rock appeal. The accompaniment of Linkin Park adds a powerful guitar and keyboard element. The song talks about overcoming obstacles and emerging victorious. Linkin Park’s lead singer, Chester Bennington, sings the chorus: “Together we made it, even though we had our backs up against the wall.” This song drives home the theme of the album, which is probably the reason why it was chosen to be the lead single.
2. “Kill Dem”
Produced by The Neptunes
On this track, Busta brings it back to his Jamaican roots by rhyming in patios throughout the entire song. You can’t go wrong with a little Jamaican style swagger from Bussa Buss.
3. “Blown” featuring T-Pain
Produced by Cool & Dre
This track is a radio friendly club anthem waiting to be unleashed. The song features T-Pain, who’s everywhere, but hopefully people will still be able to listen with a fresh ear. Busta’s delivery is strong and although this song is fun and high energy, Busta also uses it as another moment to reiterate his desire to be understood and appreciated. He reveals his true intentions by saying, “I don’t have no malice in my heart, I just want you to appreciate me.”
4. “Decisions” featuring Jamie Foxx, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, & Common
Produced by Dr. Dre
This song was inspired by a conversation Busta Rhymes had with Mary J. Blige during the time period of his legal troubles. Mary expressed her support for Busta and reached out to him. This song is an appreciation for those who have been there through his struggle. It features an all-star team of artists, which all add to the beauty of the track. It is an absolutely necessary addition to the completion of this album. The track ties together the themes of triumph by recognizing that it all would not be possible without the support of true family and friends. Busta expresses this by saying, “How you hold me down is something I genuinely value.”
5. “Right Now”
Produced by Dr. Dre and Focus
This is another banger that will surely keep the crowd hype. This track incites energy from the listener through Busta’s constant refrains, which calls on the audience to get wild. He spits, “Throw your hands up in the air like you was tearing the ceiling down!” That image may definitely come to life with this song playing in a club at two in the morning or at a Busta concert. The chorus also has the same effect that makes you want to sing along and go with the flow. Busta demands for everyone to “make noise like a nigga celebrating they life, I’m saying right now!” There is no doubt that “Right Now” is a perfect fit on the album.
6. “Let Me Show You”
Produced by Busta and DJ Scratch
This track samples “Show You the Way to Go” by the Jackson 5. Definitely a classic goody, featuring a style that very much represents Busta’s diverse sound. In “Let Me Show You,” he continues to make his presence clear by proclaiming, “Whenever the streets need, then you know I’m on time.” This mid-tempo track has an old school appeal largely due to the sample selection. Another classic Busta joint that fans should appreciate.
7. “Don’t Touch Me (Throw Da Water On ’Em)”
Produced by Grind Music (Sean C & LV)
This track is already tearing up the airwaves and has proven to be a certified club banger. Sean C & LV were the mastermind production duo behind much of the American Gangster soundtrack and they continue to show and prove on this track. Busta comes with the heat and the flavor that his fans know and love. This track has the Busta swagger that can’t be imitated. Here, he uses a continuous contrasting high energy, low energy effect similar to “Touch It.” He goes back and forth between a calmer flow and fast-paced flow, which is in sync with the rhythm of the percussions on the track.
8. “Don’t Believe Them” featuring T.I. and Akon
Produced Cool & Dre
This song was inspired by the events that took place prior to the “BET Hip-Hop Awards,” involving T.I.’s removal from the production due to his trouble with the law. Similar to “We Made It,” this song evokes a feeling of triumph against the odds. Busta and T.I. were able to use this song as a platform to highlight what they have been going through legally and their resilience and passion for their craft. Busta spews out a memorable line: “So passionate you might misinterpret it was arrogance.” Akon drives it all home with the hook that sums up the theme of the song: “Don’t believe them when they try to say it’s over, just tell them you’re number one, you’re a champion.”
9. “I’m Gonna Get Mine”
Produced by DJ Scratch
The production and concept was developed by DJ Scratch who got the inspiration from a scene in the movie All About the Benjamins. In the scene, the main character, Reggie (played by Mike Epps), recites his lottery ticket numbers. In DJ Scratch’s production, he turned those numbers into an actual statement. “I’m gonna go and get my 45 over on 47, be back in 15 minutes or even 30, get back with 37 niggas with them 38s.” The creativity behind the track’s development is incredible, in addition to Busta Rhymes’ witty lyrical style, which gives it a laid-back and somewhat old school appeal. Another solid collabo between Busta and DJ Scratch.
–Tashal Brown in New York
This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 27th, 2008 at 7:00 am and is filed under Busta Rhymes, Album Previews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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Sound like it is going to be another dope lp.
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sounds fucking dope
i loved big bang, and i love cool & dre, so hopefully I'll feel this. I still hate the first single though
edit: heres the cover, i really like it:
(http://nahright.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/busta-bessed-cvr.jpg)
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So is Decisions produced by Dre or Mr Porter? Anyway hopefully the album is hot. Cool & Dre have mixed success with their beats, but im feeling the track with Linkin Park. Not so sure about Lil Wayne, TI, Akon and T Pain all on there. Could make some tracks skippable but good to see Luda, Common etc on there.
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2 Dre beats now 8)
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sounds like a monster!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Busta Rhymes “Don’t Touch Me” (Travis Barker Remix)
http://www.aftermathmusic.com/vs2008/_blog/index.html