Ro Spit Album Cover Contest

Hello world, First I need you to watch this video and pass the information along.

We are having a contest to see who can develop the best cover art for Ro Spit's album. I need all of my graphic designers/artists or those that think they can make something dope, to visit http://www.rospit.com/ and check out the rules and the details. This is something that we are going to sell worldwide and it would be a huge credit to whomever wins. Its a huge opportunity to bolster your resume and recieve some accolades. If you have any additional questions you can hit me up, leave a comment, or email us at hiphop@rospit.com .

Kind of a Big Deal...

If you are not familiar with Drake he is a rapper/actor out of Toronto, Canada. Most visual people know him from the show "Degrassi" and audio people know him from So Far Gone. The point of this post is to actually document how monumental his work is becoming.

So Far Gone is mixtape, not a "real" album although the contents would suggest otherwise; this mixtape is going to be available for download on itunes shortly. This is major on many levels. Mixtapes are constructed by individuals and not record labels. If this mixtape does really well, and that will be measured in downloads, then this would be a pivotal step for music artist and allow them to bypass major record labels thus giving them more leverage and bargaining power. He has already bypassed standard formats by getting a quote un-quote single on the radio, "Best I Ever Had", nationwide. I'll admit, I have a vested personal interest in this because i feel like it would eliminate good artist being shelved or essentially circumscribed by label execs and parameters. I feel like it will allow artists to truly be artistic as they see fit. I understand that record labels will still have a large say in what gets spins on radio stations and video plays on tv, but i think this is a step in the right direction as far as putting the focus back on the music and not the images/marketing.

The artwork for the single is supposed to pay homage to the digital marketplace that has propelled him this far. All in all I agree with Nahright.com that we should support this mixtape/album and pave the way for future artist to come and musically liberate current music artist.

The Best Albums of 08

This is the second installment of my annual "best of " album assessment. Things you need to know include:
1. the albums are selected from what i have personally heard
2. with the lack of quality music volume i have dwindled my list to 4 instead of 5, a "decent" album doesn't get you on the list
3. There is no arguing because my opinion is what i deem to be the total after tax, nothing else needs to be added

First i must start with an honarable mention, Common - Universal Mind Control. He's one of the major players in my lineup but the album just came out in December and its just solid not exceptional. Now lets start the show (shout out to Finding Forever)

4. Joe Budden - Halfway House

This album is technically classified as a mixtape, however i make the rules. Joe veered slightly from his Mood Muzik series and put together a compilation that took over listener's emotions but not in the somber fashion of the MM songs. As usual he saturates the microphone with his witty opinions and perceptions. He took the time to seek new production and compose theme oriented songs, an occurence usually reserved for actual albums, and some artist don't even do it then. So he gets praise for his laudable efforts.

3. John Legend - Evolver

As far as R&B is concerned i am a stickler for songs that excavate below the surface and detail the many emotions and feelings involved with romance and things of that nature. I have a hard time enduring "sex songs". Legend put forth his best effort to date on this one, a mix of breezy, light-hearted songs and demanding, aggresive tunes. Also i was pleasantly surprised once i thoroughly listened, as i expected the run of the mill John Legend. He took a step outside of his traditional formula with the help of many, nonetheless exceptional album that i will replay for a long time.

2. Nas - Untitled

Some of you may refer to this as the Nigger album, but no matter what you title it the product is great. The concept and depth of the content is informative, riveting, and incredible. It is an art to teach and educate in an enjoyable and eloquent fashion. I suppose only a veteran could have pulled this off and i applaud Nas for taking the bold stance, as he states "people are afraid of criticism, but i always put myself in a sacrificial position". He nailed it, nuff said

1. N.E.R.D. - Seeing Sounds

This is one of my top 6 albums of all time, period. Although they are often categorized as experimental rock, i like to refer to this album as just pure music. Each song features a break down that any musician or artist would kill for. The melodic range of the album is off the charts, the verses are so poetic and alluring. This is what happens when you give ardent, bold, and insanely talented artist the liberty to do as they please. Its such a rare mix of peculiar talent amongst the three members that has progressed with each album they make and it has come to a temporary apex (they may get even better next time). If you aren't familiar just do yourself a favor and listen to "Love Bomb". It was impossible for me to not give these guys the top spot.