iPod User Sues Over Earbuds
Louisiana resident John Kiel Patterson claims Apple iPod causes hearing damage if played too loudly, and he wants to be compensated for it. But in filing a lawsuit against Apple on the matter--a case he hopes to get certified as a class-action lawsuit--Patterson does not claim to have sustained any hearing damage as a result of his iPod use. The iPod players are inherently defective in design and are not sufficiently adorned with adequate warnings regarding the likelihood of hearing loss, according to the complaint filed Tuesday in US District Court in San Jose. Patterson, who bought his iPod last year, seeks compensation for unspecified damages and upgrades that will make iPods safer. But Apple does indeed ship a warning with each iPod that cautions permanent hearing loss may occur if earphones or headphones are used at high volume. The lawsuit says that is not enough, and that Apple should advise listeners as to what a safe volume level is and include a meter to alert users of the decibel level at which they are listening.
The lawsuit comes just a week after a Wisconsin hearing specialist warned users of the in-ear headphones so prevalent on the ubiquitous iPods and a slew of other MP3 players to restrict their use to two hours a day and to keep the volume at a reasonable level. Apple has sold more than 42 million iPods since they went on sale in 2001, including 14 million in the fourth quarter of 2005.
The complaint contends that Apple was forced to pull the iPod from store shelves in France and upgrade software on the device to limit sound to 100 decibels, but that it has not done the same in the US. The players can produce sounds of more than 115 decibels, about the sound level of an air-raid siren and a volume that can damage the hearing of a person exposed to the sound for more than 28 seconds per day, according to the complaint.
"Millions of consumers have had their hearing put at risk by Apple's conduct," states the suit, filed by the Seattle-based firm of Hagens, Berman, Sobol, Shapiro.
Apple declined to comment on the case. Apple has faced other suits over the iPod, including one over complaints that the iPod nano scratches too easily. That case was also brought by Hagens, Berman, Sobol, Shapiro, and has resulted in Apple including protective cases with all new nanos it sells.
The lawsuit comes just a week after a Wisconsin hearing specialist warned users of the in-ear headphones so prevalent on the ubiquitous iPods and a slew of other MP3 players to restrict their use to two hours a day and to keep the volume at a reasonable level. Apple has sold more than 42 million iPods since they went on sale in 2001, including 14 million in the fourth quarter of 2005.
The complaint contends that Apple was forced to pull the iPod from store shelves in France and upgrade software on the device to limit sound to 100 decibels, but that it has not done the same in the US. The players can produce sounds of more than 115 decibels, about the sound level of an air-raid siren and a volume that can damage the hearing of a person exposed to the sound for more than 28 seconds per day, according to the complaint.
"Millions of consumers have had their hearing put at risk by Apple's conduct," states the suit, filed by the Seattle-based firm of Hagens, Berman, Sobol, Shapiro.
Apple declined to comment on the case. Apple has faced other suits over the iPod, including one over complaints that the iPod nano scratches too easily. That case was also brought by Hagens, Berman, Sobol, Shapiro, and has resulted in Apple including protective cases with all new nanos it sells.
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Louisiana resident John Kiel Patterson claims Apple iPod causes hearing damage if played too loudly, and he wants to be compensated for it. But in filing a lawsuit against Apple on the matter--a case he hopes to get certified as a class-action lawsuit--Patterson does not claim to have sustained any hearing damage as a result of his iPod use. The iPod players are inherently defective in design and are not sufficiently adorned with adequate warnings regarding the likelihood of hearing loss, according to the complaint filed Tuesday in US District Court in San Jose. Patterson, who bought his iPod last year, seeks compensation for unspecified damages and upgrades that will make iPods safer. But Apple does indeed ship a warning with each iPod that cautions permanent hearing loss may occur if earphones or headphones are used at high volume. The lawsuit says that is not enough, and that Apple should advise listeners as to what a safe volume level is and include a meter to alert users of the decibel level at which they are listening.
The lawsuit comes just a week after a Wisconsin hearing specialist warned users of the in-ear headphones so prevalent on the ubiquitous iPods and a slew of other MP3 players to restrict their use to two hours a day and to keep the volume at a reasonable level. Apple has sold more than 42 million iPods since they went on sale in 2001, including 14 million in the fourth quarter of 2005.
The complaint contends that Apple was forced to pull the iPod from store shelves in France and upgrade software on the device to limit sound to 100 decibels, but that it has not done the same in the US. The players can produce sounds of more than 115 decibels, about the sound level of an air-raid siren and a volume that can damage the hearing of a person exposed to the sound for more than 28 seconds per day, according to the complaint.
"Millions of consumers have had their hearing put at risk by Apple's conduct," states the suit, filed by the Seattle-based firm of Hagens, Berman, Sobol, Shapiro.
Apple declined to comment on the case. Apple has faced other suits over the iPod, including one over complaints that the iPod nano scratches too easily. That case was also brought by Hagens, Berman, Sobol, Shapiro, and has resulted in Apple including protective cases with all new nanos it sells.
The lawsuit comes just a week after a Wisconsin hearing specialist warned users of the in-ear headphones so prevalent on the ubiquitous iPods and a slew of other MP3 players to restrict their use to two hours a day and to keep the volume at a reasonable level. Apple has sold more than 42 million iPods since they went on sale in 2001, including 14 million in the fourth quarter of 2005.
The complaint contends that Apple was forced to pull the iPod from store shelves in France and upgrade software on the device to limit sound to 100 decibels, but that it has not done the same in the US. The players can produce sounds of more than 115 decibels, about the sound level of an air-raid siren and a volume that can damage the hearing of a person exposed to the sound for more than 28 seconds per day, according to the complaint.
"Millions of consumers have had their hearing put at risk by Apple's conduct," states the suit, filed by the Seattle-based firm of Hagens, Berman, Sobol, Shapiro.
Apple declined to comment on the case. Apple has faced other suits over the iPod, including one over complaints that the iPod nano scratches too easily. That case was also brought by Hagens, Berman, Sobol, Shapiro, and has resulted in Apple including protective cases with all new nanos it sells.
Addicted to Oil
President Bush concentrated on broad themes Tuesday night in his fifth State of the Union address, offering few new initiatives and instead reiterating many of his administration's recurring themes on domestic and security issues. In the 51-minute speech before an audience that included newly seated Supreme Court associate justice Samuel Alito, Bush argued against isolationism, stated his oft-repeated determination to stay the course in Iraq, defended his ordering of secret wiretaps and raised the specter of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in arguing for the spread of democracy across the Middle East.
"Every step toward freedom in the world makes our country safer, and so we will act boldly in freedom's cause," Bush said.
The speech touched on education and the need to better equip America's children to compete in a global economy as well as the importance of breaking the country's "addiction" to foreign oil while seeking new sources of fuel. But more than half of the evening's comments were focused on foreign policy and the war on terror, with no new initiatives to help the victims of hurricanes in the Gulf Coast and only passing mentions of the looming crisis in the Social Security system. Recognizing the divisiveness that has split the Congress, and the country, over issues such as Alito's nomination and the wiretapping scandal (see "Alito Confirmed For Supreme Court"), Bush opened with a call for Americans to unite in advancing the country's interests at home and abroad in the year ahead.
"We will choose to act confidently in pursuing the enemies of freedom, or retreat from our duties in the hope of an easier life," he said. "We will choose to build our prosperity by leading the world economy, or shut ourselves off from trade and opportunity. In a complex and challenging time, the road of isolationism and protectionism may seem broad and inviting, yet it ends in danger and decline. The only way to protect our people ... the only way to secure the peace ... the only way to control our destiny is by our leadership. So the United States of America will continue to lead."
Saying that here is "no peace ... no honor in retreat," Bush vowed to continue fighting against radical Islam — calling out Osama bin Laden by name two times — and using the liberation of Nazi death camps in World War II as an example of why the U.S. should avoid isolationism. As in the past, the president declined to set a timetable for the withdrawal of troops in Iraq (see "Bush Lays Out 'Plan For Victory' In Iraq, Again Rejects Timetable For Withdrawal"). Despite the rising death toll of U.S. forces and polls showing that the majority of Americans believe the war in Iraq was a mistake, said he is "confident in our plan for victory" declaring, "Fellow citizens, we are in this fight to win and we are winning."
And while praising the recent democratic elections in Egypt and by the Palestinian people (see "Anti-Israeli Group Hamas Wins Palestinian Elections"), Bush urged each to reject radicalism and asked the world to be steadfast in denying Iran's nuclear ambitions. With the political capital he boasted of in the previous State of the Union address greatly diminished, Bush offered broad thoughts instead of bold, specific plans elsewhere in the speech. Pundits described it as a recognition that the enormous costs of the war in Iraq and Gulf Coast rebuilding have limited the funds available for new initiatives. He spoke of fighting HIV/AIDS, malaria, child prostitution and drug trafficking in the developing world, positing their defeat as a win for American security. He also defended his controversial ordering of secret wiretaps by the National Security Administration, saying that if they'd been in place earlier, the September 11 attacks might have been avoided. "It is said that prior to the attacks of September 11th, our government failed to connect the dots of the conspiracy," Bush said. "We now know that two of the hijackers in the United States placed telephone calls to al Qaeda operatives overseas. But we did not know about their plans until it was too late. So to prevent another attack, based on authority given to me by the Constitution and by statute, I have authorized a terrorist surveillance program to aggressively pursue the international communications of suspected al Qaeda operatives and affiliates to and from America."
According to an NPR report, the CIA did know that two of the hijackers, Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Midhar, attended an al Qaeda meeting in Malaysia in 2000, and then traveled to the U.S. But they were not put on terrorist watch lists until they were already in the U.S., and the FBI was not told to look for them until August of 2001. NPR reported that critics of the administration's surveillance programs say that shows that basic incompetence prevented detection of the plot, not inadequate surveillance powers.
In announcing one of the few new plans in the speech, Bush said, "America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world," and called for his Advanced Energy Initiative. The former Texas oilman said the plan will see a 22-percent increase in clean-energy research at the Department of Energy in an attempt to boost zero-emission coal-fired plants to fuel our homes and offices and more research into hydrogen-fueled and hybrid cars. Bush set a goal of replacing 75 percent of U.S. oil imports from the Middle East by 2025 with new forms of corn-based ethanol fuel and other renewable sources. Critics noted, however, that the plan was less ambitious than it seems, as the U.S. gets less than 20 percent of its oil from the Persian Gulf, with the majority coming from Mexico, Canada and Venezuela.
In one of his few comments on education, Bush said the way to deal with the threat of more competition for countries like China and India was to substantially increase financing for basic science research and train 70,000 new high school Advanced Placement teachers while recruiting 30,000 math and science professionals to work in classrooms. Citing statistics showing drops in the rates of violent crime, drug use by teens and teenage pregnancy, Bush called the numbers signs of a "revolution of conscience." He added, however, that others are concerned about the direction the country is going and "discouraged by activist courts that try to redefine marriage." He also urged the Congress to pass legislation banning all forms of human cloning, saying that "human life is a gift from our creator and that gift should never be discarded, devalued or put up for sale."
While the speech was notable for the typical raucous applause from the ruling party with several reaction shots showing Democrats, most notably an incredulous-looking Hillary Clinton, sitting on their hands during much of the address — Bush ended by again appealing to both sides to unite. "Before history is written down in books, it is written in courage," he said. "Like Americans before us, we will show that courage and we will finish well. We will lead freedom's advance. We will compete and excel in the global economy. We will renew the defining moral commitments of this land. And so we move forward optimistic about our country, faithful to its cause and confident of victories to come." - MTV News
"Every step toward freedom in the world makes our country safer, and so we will act boldly in freedom's cause," Bush said.
The speech touched on education and the need to better equip America's children to compete in a global economy as well as the importance of breaking the country's "addiction" to foreign oil while seeking new sources of fuel. But more than half of the evening's comments were focused on foreign policy and the war on terror, with no new initiatives to help the victims of hurricanes in the Gulf Coast and only passing mentions of the looming crisis in the Social Security system. Recognizing the divisiveness that has split the Congress, and the country, over issues such as Alito's nomination and the wiretapping scandal (see "Alito Confirmed For Supreme Court"), Bush opened with a call for Americans to unite in advancing the country's interests at home and abroad in the year ahead.
"We will choose to act confidently in pursuing the enemies of freedom, or retreat from our duties in the hope of an easier life," he said. "We will choose to build our prosperity by leading the world economy, or shut ourselves off from trade and opportunity. In a complex and challenging time, the road of isolationism and protectionism may seem broad and inviting, yet it ends in danger and decline. The only way to protect our people ... the only way to secure the peace ... the only way to control our destiny is by our leadership. So the United States of America will continue to lead."
Saying that here is "no peace ... no honor in retreat," Bush vowed to continue fighting against radical Islam — calling out Osama bin Laden by name two times — and using the liberation of Nazi death camps in World War II as an example of why the U.S. should avoid isolationism. As in the past, the president declined to set a timetable for the withdrawal of troops in Iraq (see "Bush Lays Out 'Plan For Victory' In Iraq, Again Rejects Timetable For Withdrawal"). Despite the rising death toll of U.S. forces and polls showing that the majority of Americans believe the war in Iraq was a mistake, said he is "confident in our plan for victory" declaring, "Fellow citizens, we are in this fight to win and we are winning."
And while praising the recent democratic elections in Egypt and by the Palestinian people (see "Anti-Israeli Group Hamas Wins Palestinian Elections"), Bush urged each to reject radicalism and asked the world to be steadfast in denying Iran's nuclear ambitions. With the political capital he boasted of in the previous State of the Union address greatly diminished, Bush offered broad thoughts instead of bold, specific plans elsewhere in the speech. Pundits described it as a recognition that the enormous costs of the war in Iraq and Gulf Coast rebuilding have limited the funds available for new initiatives. He spoke of fighting HIV/AIDS, malaria, child prostitution and drug trafficking in the developing world, positing their defeat as a win for American security. He also defended his controversial ordering of secret wiretaps by the National Security Administration, saying that if they'd been in place earlier, the September 11 attacks might have been avoided. "It is said that prior to the attacks of September 11th, our government failed to connect the dots of the conspiracy," Bush said. "We now know that two of the hijackers in the United States placed telephone calls to al Qaeda operatives overseas. But we did not know about their plans until it was too late. So to prevent another attack, based on authority given to me by the Constitution and by statute, I have authorized a terrorist surveillance program to aggressively pursue the international communications of suspected al Qaeda operatives and affiliates to and from America."
According to an NPR report, the CIA did know that two of the hijackers, Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Midhar, attended an al Qaeda meeting in Malaysia in 2000, and then traveled to the U.S. But they were not put on terrorist watch lists until they were already in the U.S., and the FBI was not told to look for them until August of 2001. NPR reported that critics of the administration's surveillance programs say that shows that basic incompetence prevented detection of the plot, not inadequate surveillance powers.
In announcing one of the few new plans in the speech, Bush said, "America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world," and called for his Advanced Energy Initiative. The former Texas oilman said the plan will see a 22-percent increase in clean-energy research at the Department of Energy in an attempt to boost zero-emission coal-fired plants to fuel our homes and offices and more research into hydrogen-fueled and hybrid cars. Bush set a goal of replacing 75 percent of U.S. oil imports from the Middle East by 2025 with new forms of corn-based ethanol fuel and other renewable sources. Critics noted, however, that the plan was less ambitious than it seems, as the U.S. gets less than 20 percent of its oil from the Persian Gulf, with the majority coming from Mexico, Canada and Venezuela.
In one of his few comments on education, Bush said the way to deal with the threat of more competition for countries like China and India was to substantially increase financing for basic science research and train 70,000 new high school Advanced Placement teachers while recruiting 30,000 math and science professionals to work in classrooms. Citing statistics showing drops in the rates of violent crime, drug use by teens and teenage pregnancy, Bush called the numbers signs of a "revolution of conscience." He added, however, that others are concerned about the direction the country is going and "discouraged by activist courts that try to redefine marriage." He also urged the Congress to pass legislation banning all forms of human cloning, saying that "human life is a gift from our creator and that gift should never be discarded, devalued or put up for sale."
While the speech was notable for the typical raucous applause from the ruling party with several reaction shots showing Democrats, most notably an incredulous-looking Hillary Clinton, sitting on their hands during much of the address — Bush ended by again appealing to both sides to unite. "Before history is written down in books, it is written in courage," he said. "Like Americans before us, we will show that courage and we will finish well. We will lead freedom's advance. We will compete and excel in the global economy. We will renew the defining moral commitments of this land. And so we move forward optimistic about our country, faithful to its cause and confident of victories to come." - MTV News
Akon's Inspiration
Ain't nothing like a naked woman gyrating around a pole to the strains of 50 Cent's "Candy Shop" and Mötley Crüe's "Girls, Girls, Girls" to inspire a man. After successful runs with Locked Up, Ghetto, and Lonely, Akon is releasing "Bananza (Belly Dancer)" as the fourth single from his debut album, Trouble. Bananza was one of the first records I wrote when I got out of prison." Akon said. "I went straight to the strip club and came back home to the studio and wrote about it. It's definitely one of my club records."
While in Los Angeles for the BET Awards, Akon shot the video for "Bananza," which will also include a sneak preview of the clip for his next single, "Trouble Nobody. "Trouble was a big record for me," Akon explained. "When I got out of jail, I couldn't get a regular job. So it was pretty much me between a rock and a hard place, wanting to change, but society wouldn't allow me to do it."
Akon is using the videos to practice in front of the cameras, as he plans to start shooting a feature film, also called "Trouble," in September. The character shouldn't be a big stretch for the artist.
"Trouble is about an African kid that comes to the States," the Senegalese-born Akon said. "In the midst of trying to fit in he gets into all this trouble and gets locked up. [His] family behind him is a musical influence, and before you know it, he makes [music] a hobby and gets famous over it. It's pretty much based on me, my true life story."
While in Los Angeles for the BET Awards, Akon shot the video for "Bananza," which will also include a sneak preview of the clip for his next single, "Trouble Nobody. "Trouble was a big record for me," Akon explained. "When I got out of jail, I couldn't get a regular job. So it was pretty much me between a rock and a hard place, wanting to change, but society wouldn't allow me to do it."
Akon is using the videos to practice in front of the cameras, as he plans to start shooting a feature film, also called "Trouble," in September. The character shouldn't be a big stretch for the artist.
"Trouble is about an African kid that comes to the States," the Senegalese-born Akon said. "In the midst of trying to fit in he gets into all this trouble and gets locked up. [His] family behind him is a musical influence, and before you know it, he makes [music] a hobby and gets famous over it. It's pretty much based on me, my true life story."
AHH Stray News
Rap legend LL Cool J has been added to the 2006 Essence Music Festival, which takes place this July. Cedric The Entertainer and RnB group Maze featuring Frankie Beverly have also been added to the show, which already counts Mary J. Blige, as one of the headlining acts. The 2006 Essence Music Festival takes place July 1, 2 and 3 at its new interim home, state of the art Reliant Park in Houston, Texas. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com with prices ranging from $45-$110.
The popular "Beef" trilogy is slated to air on BET starting tonight (Jan. 25) and will air episodes 1-3 over the next three days. The "Beef" series of DVD's is produced by QD3 Entertainment and focuses on the histories of some of Hip-Hop's most celebrated rivalries. The series kicks off at 9:00 PM with the next installment broadcasting the following night at the same time. "Beef" part 2 airs Thursday Jan 26 at 9:00 PM and "Beef" part 3 airs Fri. Jan 27 at 9:00 PM.
Marc Ecko and Atari have announced that their new video game, "Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure" will ship gold when it hits stores nationwide on Feb. 14 and on Feb. 17 in Europe. Gamers assume the role of "Trane" and must learn various graffiti skills, as well as fend off rivals crews and an oppressive mayor. Over 65 graffiti artists lent their tags and art to the game's back drop, while Sean "Diddy" Combs, Talib Kweli, Charlie Murphy, The RZA, MC Serch and others lent their voices to the game. The game's soundtrack also features a collaboration between Rakim and Talib Kweli titled "Getting Up Anthem: Part 1."
The popular "Beef" trilogy is slated to air on BET starting tonight (Jan. 25) and will air episodes 1-3 over the next three days. The "Beef" series of DVD's is produced by QD3 Entertainment and focuses on the histories of some of Hip-Hop's most celebrated rivalries. The series kicks off at 9:00 PM with the next installment broadcasting the following night at the same time. "Beef" part 2 airs Thursday Jan 26 at 9:00 PM and "Beef" part 3 airs Fri. Jan 27 at 9:00 PM.
Marc Ecko and Atari have announced that their new video game, "Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure" will ship gold when it hits stores nationwide on Feb. 14 and on Feb. 17 in Europe. Gamers assume the role of "Trane" and must learn various graffiti skills, as well as fend off rivals crews and an oppressive mayor. Over 65 graffiti artists lent their tags and art to the game's back drop, while Sean "Diddy" Combs, Talib Kweli, Charlie Murphy, The RZA, MC Serch and others lent their voices to the game. The game's soundtrack also features a collaboration between Rakim and Talib Kweli titled "Getting Up Anthem: Part 1."
Recent Reviews
Ever since he picked boogers and made the music with his mouth, the Diabolical has always come correct with many slamming tracks, always 100% guaranteed to have the hardest dudes cracking up.
This is a typically excellent Biz joint which, for me, just has that edge. It could be the fly break of "Papa Don't Take No Mess," which retains the funky character of the original and perfectly compliments Biz's rolling lyrical styles. It could be Biz's storytelling ability. He always shines on that tip, but this track is different in that he's actually talking about a serious subject. Where other rappers have spoken on this topic, Biz doesn't sound malicious, angry, or annoyed. Biz is just Biz, right? In fact, this approach is probably more effective than straight up dissing. Not a word you'd normally associate with Biz Markie, but the lyrics are subtle, well crafted, and definitely slamming. Being Biz though, he does drop some way funny shit - check his ill impersonations of records being scratched - Bill Sykes he ain't; and how many rappers have you heard describe themselves as a "wet food stamp"? Man, I could go on and on - check the bit where he flips styles to what sounds like a drunken derelik or about fifty other moments on this memorable track. He also manages to big up his 88 crew by kicking a verse about each of them. In fact, if you can find the video, it's just as dope as the record and really gives the Biz a chance to express himself. People who slept on this record might just be catching a few vapors themselves right about now.
This is a typically excellent Biz joint which, for me, just has that edge. It could be the fly break of "Papa Don't Take No Mess," which retains the funky character of the original and perfectly compliments Biz's rolling lyrical styles. It could be Biz's storytelling ability. He always shines on that tip, but this track is different in that he's actually talking about a serious subject. Where other rappers have spoken on this topic, Biz doesn't sound malicious, angry, or annoyed. Biz is just Biz, right? In fact, this approach is probably more effective than straight up dissing. Not a word you'd normally associate with Biz Markie, but the lyrics are subtle, well crafted, and definitely slamming. Being Biz though, he does drop some way funny shit - check his ill impersonations of records being scratched - Bill Sykes he ain't; and how many rappers have you heard describe themselves as a "wet food stamp"? Man, I could go on and on - check the bit where he flips styles to what sounds like a drunken derelik or about fifty other moments on this memorable track. He also manages to big up his 88 crew by kicking a verse about each of them. In fact, if you can find the video, it's just as dope as the record and really gives the Biz a chance to express himself. People who slept on this record might just be catching a few vapors themselves right about now.
posted February 2, 2006 at 07:40:35 PM
Special is one of the underrated lyricists in rap and he proves that he has skills on his second album (Legal) as well as the first LP. "She said I'm a member of the booster squad/ and I'm thinkin to my self I'd knock the boots so hard/ that's what I did/ until we had a kid/ now the freaks got half my money, plus the crib, plus the car, plus the limo with the bar/ but I guess that's what you get when you're livin like a star!" Ed is dope, and so is the production throughout this album. Don't pass up "The Mission," "I'm the Magnificent (remix)," "Livin Like A Star," and "5 Men and a Mic" which features cameos from Special Ed's two brothers, Little Shawn, and even DJ Ak-Shun!
posted February 2, 2006 at 07:36:30 PM
This mackadocious joint is to this day one of the perfect Hip-Hop examples of music to roll by: cruisin' in your ride with the dark, ominous tint; the fat, shining rims; and the deep, bellowing bass of woofers loud enough for 5-0 to pull ya over and hassle you for noise pollution. This album was the bomb! Claiming hustling as opposed to banging, ATL came upon the rap game with enough attitude and talent to make ya eardrums believe their player philosophy, and with Dr. Dre providing some of his trademark intoxicating beats, this entire LP swings like it ain't no thang. Cold 187um and KMG rappin' over everything from Isaac Hayes to Quincy Jones' old theme for the Bill Cosby Show works like a charm, and when the whole NWA. posse gets busy on The Last Song, once again it's on.
posted February 1, 2006 at 07:33:24 PM
Obviously Jay-Z grew as an artist since his entrance into the game; however, he pieced together a flawless masterpiece the first time around. It was the hustlers' soundtrack, but even if you had that legit income, you had no choice but to be captivated by Hov's words. I love this CD.
posted December 20, 2005 at 02:39:02 PM
Biggie simply mastered the game! Like Chuck D, his voice was so unique that all he had to do was utter an ad-lib like "Ugh" and you automatically knew it was him. Match that with rhymes that left most lyricists with sleepless nights and a delivery that flowed like a 1987 L.A. Lakers fast break and you have the impeccable birth of one of hip-hop's most beloved geniuses.
posted December 20, 2005 at 02:36:12 PM
