The Junkyard Has Some "Random Thoughts" (game, xzibit, ras, bishop, cube, e40)

[Rud]

www.dubcnn.com/features/junkyard/randomthoughts/

The Junkyard Has Some "Random Thoughts" - February 27, 2006 By : Rud

M Dogg is back with the latest edition of his world famous "The Junkyard" editorial feature. In Volume Three he apologises for the extra wait for this installment however for more than good reason. My thoughts and prayers go out to M Dogg, his uncle and family at this time and i am sure the dubcnn readership shares in my comments. M Dogg has however taken some time to compile a catalogue of "Random Thoughts" regarding the westcoast. He touches on topics including E-40 and the "Hyphy" phenomenon, Ice Cube and his independent route, The Game, Warren G, Ras Kass, Xzibit, Spider Loc and Bishop Lamont and his ticket to superstardom as well as a much more!

Once you have read the piece head over to the forum to debate any issues you may have and if you wish to leave your regards for M Dogg.

The Junkyard - The Junkyard - Volume Three: Random Thoughts

Once again look for more features from "The Junkyard" Bi-Weekly. Check the Junkyard Index to read his previous editions including the acclaimed Volume Two; "Sales Numbers."


www.dubcnn.com/features/junkyard/randomthoughts/

[CRAFTY]

Not bad...although I disagree with the fact that DPG deserves international airplay. I no longer anticipate any releases from them, as I have the feeling that they don't put any real effort into their music anymore. Ever since Daz & Kurupt have the support from Snoop again it's like they feel "hey, Snoop's on our side! We'll have success in no time now!". It's time for a new generation of West Coast rap to come forward, and there are plenty of artists standing in line: Damani, G. Malone, Dynamic Certified, Omar Cruz, The Frontlinerz, Roccet, etc...

[Nima - Dubcnn.com]

Good read!

[R-Tistic]

Good and interesting read.

"Now that E-40 is on national radio, will the Bay’s Hyphy music bring the Bay back to the days that ‘Pac, Rappin’ 4 Tay, Too Short, E-40 and The Luniz were all featured on national radio? I have asked your typical white people in Minnesota who like Crunk if they like the E-40 track, and they responded positively. My only fear is that it may get over-looked because of how much it sounds like Crunk, and fans just think that it’s a knock off. Personally, I think that the Bay movement has a much better chance of taking off that anything from LA right now."

-I definitely agree with that, and I have always thought this was the case. People down south like Hyphy music a lot more than typical L.A. music.

"Ice Cube’s comeback has me excited. I think that what Ice Cube brings to the game is what is missing. There has been something missing for many years, and I myself have been vocal about this. Artist like Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Dead Prez, and basically what is known as the conscious rap section of the genre, have tried to bring attention to the political aspects of Hip-Hop. They have not however gained the attention that is needed, and it takes AmeriKKKa’z Most to break out his old khaki suit and show the Hip-Hop world how it’s done.

Personally I was hoping for an Ice Cube reunion with Dr. Dre, but Cube decided to go independent. If you read my last article, you know that I am full support of the independent movement, and this is in my opinion for Cube is for the better. I would rather hear Ice Cube speak his message and potentially sell less instead of him having to water himself down just to get on a Dr. Dre beat and secure a release on Interscope Records. Cube is showing the game how it’s done."

-That's real, I think Cube's delivery and presense alone gives him the advantage over other most conscious rappers, and the rap world needs to appreciate him. Most younger cats growin up don't feel him like the older crowd, but all of their favorite rappers are inspired by him.


"The Game situation, it seems, has calmed down with his brother. I think that no news right now is good news. Hopefully they can at least patch up the brotherly relationship, and agree to keep business out of it. Also, I think right now, Game should focus on his album and Detox, and let his talent shine on his sophomore release rather than falling into the “debut follow-up” trap of a mediocre album. Right now is not a good time to launch a label when 50 Cent is trying to ruin your career. Put out albums with the help of the Doc, build on your support and be heard like 50 Cent has with G-Unit, and then take it from there. Build a war plan, not act out of survival."

-Well he dissed Fase on his last song, and I haven't asked anybody at Brazil St. what's up with that. I don't see them coming together anytime soon though, even though everybody wants it to happen.

"Can I get a Hell Yea? Does Warren G need to get play on National Radio? Every track from him I have heard on KDAY and Power was hot. I slept on his CD, and it was the first Warren G album I did not buy within a month of release. Up until his latest I owned every Warren G CD except Regulate; as that was originally on tape! So I slept for the first time and for that I’m sorry. Warren G needs to be national radio, there is no question his latest CD is heat. Forgive me Warren."

-Yeah this album was pretty good, I don't know why people knocked it so much. He even stepped up his rap game A LOT since 213's album.

"Speaking of radio; how come the DPGC dominates LA radio, but never the national radio? The only westcoast artists that commercial radio in LA has ever supported, and they never get national airplay. I just hope the next Dogg Pound album is more than Snoop, Daz and Kurupt. Many Hip-Hop fans that I’ve seen at Snoop concerts love the other members, but have never heard much of them. I don’t care if Snoop has to do every single hook to get the person on MTV, get other members of the DPG heard on radio. Snoop looks to be close to retirement, and that Ol’ Skool G Funk in my opinion needs to continue."

-I think the East is still sour from "New York New York" and even "Callin out names". I think Daz n Kurupt are hit or miss nowadays...there are some new tracks I love from them, and some I think are very average.

"Where is Guerilla Black, who notices he is gone? And which A&R was dumb enough to invest in him in the first place? Let me know, I need a deal, and a deaf A&R maybe the only way I can make it."

-LMAO....damn.

"Random American Idol side note, how many Cali natives are in there, it’s unreal! My favorite of the Cali people is Sway, the Filipino who sang Earth Wind and Fire. My girl voted for him like 10 times."

-Haven't seen it, but that sounds good.

"Ras Kass is the greatest wasted talent I’ve ever seen. I have always dreamt of a west where Rassy and his pal Xzibit were on top, and that never happened. Ras Kass now appears to be clean, and I hope that his personal problems with drinking are behind him. Not that rappers have clean images, but Ras Kass has done great harm to himself due to his recklessness with alcohol. I hope he can still rebuild what’s left of his career, but it’s hard to sell when people stopped waiting for you 6 years ago."

-I hope he can do somethin with it, but he still might be a bit too outspoken to blow at that level.

"Perfect time to link in now to mention Xzibit. Releasing albums once every 2 years has hurt him. In 2000, he struck fire, and in 2002 he slipped in terms of mainstream sales and coverage, and it wasn’t until 2004 he tried to recover. The mainstream is not like the regular Hip-Hop fan base, as radio fans can’t remember an artist from last month, let alone 2 years ago. And once you come out with a bad album, you have to redeem yourself quickly, or be written off. “Weapons of Mass Destruction” was hugely over looked, and had a few songs that could have been on the radio. BUT, the mainstream wasn’t hearing it. X and Ras Kass could team up, I would welcome that. Maybe some collaborations with other artists could recover X’s career."

-Somehow, Xzibit burnt himself out, and lost 90% of his entire fanbase, whether it was the 96-99 crowd or the 2000 "DPG" crowd. Most people seem to think he fell off hard and he sucks, even though his style hasn't really changed that much. I think people just hate anybody who raps but does anything "mainstream" such as TV shows and commercials, unless it's somebody who's been in the game forever (Snoop)

"G. Malone, is the kid for real? He has skill, but does he have the ‘X-Factor’ to make it big. The contract with Sony says they believe so, and investing 1.3 million in an artist means we will hear him on the radio, even if he doesn’t do well making a mainstream album. The ball is in his court, Lets hope he can build on Game’s success and we can continue to build a New West Coast, I’m looking forward to the album Glasses."

-He could definitely appeal to the nation, and I think it all is going to depend on the direction the album takes. He could be the west coast's answer to Jeezy.

"Kanye West maybe outta the Chi, but I love to talk about him. Forget the haters, the kid is for real. Best producer since Dr. Dre dropped 2001. He has taken the traditional Hip-Hop sound, upgraded it, and he is unstoppable. People hate because of the ego, but look at all your favorite rappers, and tell me where they don’t boost. Boosting is as Hip-Hop as battling and break dancing. Kanye West is Hip-Hop, and the haters need to silence."

-I don't think he's the best prodcuer since 2001, and his style sounds similar to other producers before him. But I definitely respect what he does, and think he's dope as a rapper.

"I.E.’s native, Kartoon is making noise out in the I.E. and of course on dubcnn. It’s nice to go back home and hear the local station, Wild 96, playing Kartoon’s music. He seems like another piece of the puzzle that the west badly needs. Ruff Ryder have made a great investment, and it’s good being a Rialto native to see another I.E. native on top. Sly Boogy is also reppin’ the I.E., and if someone is king in the I.E. it’s Sly Boogy. Sly Boogy, G.Malone, The Game and Kartoon, is there anything else the west needs to comeback?"

-I still haven't heard much from him.

"One thing the west does not need is Spider Loc. Like The Game, Spider to me represents the old west, but unlike Game, I hear no improvement. When Game came out, he was so average that I saw him as a bet that Dr. Dre made saying he can make anyone famous. Now I hear The Game, and he is a lyrical killing machine. Spider Loc has been in the game a while, and his lyrical skills sound average at best, but I don’t hear Spider Loc blowing people out the water. He is only as good as labelmate Tony Yayo and Yayo is as average as average can be. Now if G Unit wanted a true hardcore westcoast artist with skills, then they should have looked at my boy Sly Boogy or even Jayo Felony. I predict that Spider struggles to go gold, but lets be honest these days how hard is that. Sorry Yayo."

-Hmm........can't say I disagree, but I won't say much about that.

"My last random thought, Bishop Lamont has what appears to be a ticket to superstardom similar to the one presented to Hittman in 1999. The difference with him and Hittman though is going to be how Dre handles him on Detox. If Hittman would have been on a Dre single from 2001, say Dre released Ackrite, then Hittman may have secured a release date because of the attention to him and his material even the then Napster downloaders would have heard Hittman and potentially rushed to get his album after downloading his material. With Bishop, he needs to do two things. Firstly, keep grinding hard spreading the buzz and the name; which Hittman did not and secondly make sure he is on a track worthy to be a single off Detox, because a single off Detox could be the difference between the next star Dre puts out, or being the next Hittman, King Tee that Dre is associated with."

-I feel that, Bishop does have the same change. I think he sounds a liiil bit too much like Jay on some songs, but his flow is always more energetic than his. I think he will improve some by Detox, and I think he could definitely do what Hittman didn't, which is come out and blow up. He is an alternative to the stereotypical L.A. rapper, and he can actually make songs.

[Nima - Dubcnn.com]

^^ Good points R-Tistic

['EclipZe]

Good read!

[Rud]

More feedback please, i know many of you read it! Respond...!

[gav09]

Good Read!

I agree, Ice Cubes new album is def got me good news & i cant wait!
DPG need more play everywhere!
Guerilla Black....LMAO
Ras Kass is a big talent, lets hope he pulls it 2gether, but well hav 2 wait n c.
X needs 2 step up n cum back with sum bangin tunes n lyrics.
Glasses Malone, sounds promisin, big money, lets hopes he uses it 2 his advantage.
Kanye West is a gr8 producer and is now up there with hip-hops other guaranteed hit makers like Dre, Neptunes etc.
Spider Loc...i agree, hes nuffin special.
Bishop Lamont, is quite a talent and from wot ive heard so far he sounds capable of goin far, and i agree he needs 2 avoid just fallin in 2 oblivion.

[Rud]

^props for the reply...and the sig! i had forgotten we got sent and released those exclusive pics of quik in the man u shit lol

[gav09]

^props for the reply...and the sig! i had forgotten we got sent and released those exclusive pics of quik in the man u shit lol

Props! Even Quik no's utd rule!

[Rud]

well actually he just like the 'blood' red but whatever ya reckon hehe

(Bolton fan here)

[gav09]

well actually he just like the 'blood' red but whatever ya reckon hehe

Thought as much! lol! 

[KURUPTION-81]

^props for the reply...and the sig! i had forgotten we got sent and released those exclusive pics of quik in the man u shit lol

Props! Even Quik no's utd rule!

where r the other pics ?

[Conan]

Well, CRAFTY said that the West Coast should be pushing new artists and not potentially worn-out vets like the DPG camp. I agree to an extent. However, the problem is that the DPGC are easily more recognised than any of the New West artists named, whose buzz is seemingly restricted to local areas and internet sites such as this. No-one in New York is likely to have heard of the likes of Roccett and Omar Cruz, yet its likely they will remember Tha Dogg Pound. You could be right about the DPG becoming a tad over-relaxed now that Snoop is pushing their reunion, but at least Tha Doggfather is still giving some relatively unexposed talents like Daz and Kurupt a chance to shine. Some hate on them for the exact same reason, but I respect the fact that they are collaborating with hit makers like Diddy and Swizz Beatz. Frankly, I don't care who it comes from, the West Coast rap scene deserves another success story. If Tha Pound can bring a little West Coast commercial dominance, it could be the spark needed to pave the way for some of the talented new acts you mentioned.

The other day it hit me that the beef between Game and 50 had been going on for about a year. That's a long time in music, and I've got to believe that, outside of West Coast fans like ourselves, Game may be distancing himself from a good part of his fan base by running that particular feud into the ground. With that in mind, I whole heartedly agree that he should focus on his next album and "Detox", and proving to the various doubters, both vocal and silent, that he doesn't need the attention of 50 Cent to make power moves.

As SGV once said, X's last album seperated the dick riders from the real fans - and I see the sense in that. With no Dre, he clearly suffered on a mainstream level. However, in the long run that may not turn out to be a bad thing. Hopefully, the disappointing result for "WOMD" means he can put more of his energy into establishing Strong Arm Steady and bringing a talented group of unrecognised West Coast MC's to the forefront. Also, as Mariah Carey proved last year, everyone loves a spectacular comeback. X is the underdog right now, but I'm confident that he can reclaim his spot among the commercial rap elite. Should he hook up with Dre again, it's got to be a no-brainer.

Ras has disappointed several fans, myself included. I had high hopes for his post-prison projects but "Institutionalized" did very little for me. I like to think that I can accept the vintage, 'conscious' Ras of old and the modern, brash punchline MC but the main problem is that he is bringing little new to the table currently. Hopefully I can be proved wrong by his next project but, bar the odd rewind-able lyric, an incredibly unique MC has suddenly began to sound rather stale. Finding some stronger production could be a starting point, a problem that has plagued him in the past.

G. Malone must have a lot of pressure resting on his shoulders right now. 1.7 Million is a phenomenal amount of money to be signed for and, unfortunately, I believe the pressure will only get worse for him once the mainstream jumps on him and his debut approaches. Whether he can handle such high expectations (clearly someone at Sony has very, VERY big plans for him) remains to be seen, but he has certainly displayed his talent in the past. Fingers crossed. The same applies to Bishop. You've got to believe that a lot of non-West Coast listeners are waiting patiently to see if he deserves the hype and is worthy of being Dre's next focus.

As for Cube, the last few tracks by him prove that you can't always write a veteran off. If his album sounds as strong as these teaser tracks, we could have a very strong album on our hands and a triumph for the West Coast. My main concern with Cube, however, is how well this release can be promoted independantly. Should it live up to my personal expectations, than hopefully word of mouth will increase its sales numbers.

Props to M Dogg for a very entertaining read. Keep it up!

[Rud]

where r the other pics ?

theres one in the studio too, ill haveto find that