Rating:
  Publish Date: August 9, 2005
  Author Website: 50 Cent
  Publisher: MTV Books

50 Cent “From Pieces to Weight: Once Upon a Time in Southside Queens” Book Review
No sense in trying to front – I’ve never been a big 50 Cent fan. I guess I’m somewhat required to make that clear off jump in order to keep from losing some of my normal readership that will consider me a sellout for writing this review. It’s not that I dislike 50 Cent or his music, as I refuse to be one of those underground hip-hop head haters, but I’ve never heard one of his albums in its entirety. Rappers who gain a lot of radio airplay are often ignored by the underground, especially when they fit the bill of gangster rappers. (more…)

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  Release Date: May 25, 2005
  Website: Common Website
  Label: Geffen Records

Common “Be” Album Review
I really didn’t even plan to pick up Common’s new album, “Be.” Don’t get me wrong, Com Sense is my man. One of few the MCs who have consistently created music that has reinforced my love of hip-hop … easily one of my top five lyricists ever. Each of his five previous albums are classic to me, as they have documented Com’s life and growth as a human being through ever-changing themes, sounds and ultimate directions. But the new album wasn’t that intriguing to me at first. (more…)