So it looks like December 13th is gonna be a busy day at the record store as it now seems that 'In My Mind,' the long-awaited solo debut from Pharrell "Skateboard P" Williams of The Neptunes production duo is finally dropping on that very date via Williams' own Star Trak Entertainment imprint and Interscope Records! Boasting guest-appearances from Gwen Stefani, Jay-Z and Reggaeton sensation Daddy Yankee ( what the fuck? ) among others, 'In My Mind' finds "Fa-Real" straddling the line between electro-pop commercialism and nerdy backpacker-ism as only he can and is sure to be a late entry to lots of "best of" lists this year... or an early entry for next years.

We've already been pimping this record pretty hard here at Imageyenation, with our very own Emeyesi giving you the chance to download leaked MP3's of both "Angel" and the fist single "Can I Have It Like That" featuring Gwen Stefani. Unfortunately for your sleepin' ass though those MP3's are long-gone at this point. But don't fret, cuz thanks to this handy Pharrell media player you can still check out streaming audio of both tunes!

When you're done doing that you can also check out streaming video of the new clip for "Can I Have It Like That!"

Pharrell Williams featuring Gwen Stefani "Can I Have It Like That"

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And don't forget, 'In My Mind' hits store shelves December 13th on Star Trak/Interscope Records.

The December 13th release date of 'Guerolito,' the remixed version of Beck's hit 'Guero' LP from earlier this year is getting closer.

Ramping up the buzz, Beck and the Interscope label are giving fans a chance to peep a 'Guerolito' media player featuring some of the remixes from the project in streaming audio. Included are "Ghettochip Malfunction" by 8-Bit, "Broken Drum" from Boards Of Canada, "Heaven Hammer" by Air, "Shake, Shake Tambourine" courtesy of Ad Rock of the Beastie Boys, Diplo's "Wish Coin" and the original version of "Hell Yeah" in audio and video form. Out of the preview tracks I'm particularly taken by the work turned in by Boards Of Canada, Air and Diplo, and I can't wait to hear some of the other mixes on 'Guerolito,' especially El-P's "Scarecrow."

We'll have to wait until December 13th to hear that though. In the meantime, give a "guero" a break and check out the audio.

Watch my new favorite BAPE rockin', Pocky eatin', Japanese rappin' group on the planet, a.k.a. the Teriyaki Boyz! Here they are performing the song "Heartbreaker" off of their recently released LP 'Beef Or Chicken.'

Detroit native James "Jay Dee" Yancey ( also known as J. Dilla ) is one of my favorite producers of hip-hop, soul and rugged electronica working in the industry today. Over the years he's crafted hits for the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde, Busta Rhymes, De La Soul, Keith Murray, Janet Jackson, Macy Gray, Q-Tip, D'Angelo, Common, Erykah Badu, Bilal, and countless others both on his own and as a member of the Ummah production squad. He was a founding member of, and the sole producer for, seminal Detroit rap-group Slum Village. And alongside California-based beatmaker Madlib was behind the release of the fan favorite Jaylib project.

Recently it's come to light that the prolific beatsmith suffers from a kidney condition which can wreck havoc on his health and well-being. Not too long ago in fact a rumor that Dilla was close to death spread across the Okayplayer message boards only to be quashed by those close to him. Apparently he is not in fact in the best of health though. Just tonight I recieved an IM message from Scienz Of Life member Lil' Sci calling my attention to pictures posted by blogger Matilda Egere-Cooper from a concert appearance earlier this week where Dilla appeared gaunt, sickly and confined to a wheel-chair in which he was wheeled-out on stage by others. So, if you're the praying type definitely keep the man in your prayers. And if you're not just try sending him your love and support some other way. If the pictures are to be believed, he could sure use it.

Despite his apparent health problems Dilla has remained hard at work cranking out music. So look out for his 31 track opus called 'Donuts' which will be released February 26th 2005 on Stones Throw Records.

Cuts off dreads.

Grows muscles.



Thus he closes the chapter on dreads as a fashion statement.

Enjoy the coming years of wackness Busta.

Though my near legendary mash-up of "Earthquake Weather" was apparently not up for consideration for inclusion in the collection, everybody's favorite "guero" Beck has none-the-less assembled an impressive line-up of contributors -- including El-P, Air, Diplo and Boards Of Canada -- for 'Guerolito,' a remix project that's being touted as a "multi-dimensional bizarro twin" to his 'Guero' album from earlier this year. Proclaimed as a return to form by critics and fans alike, 'Guero' saw the lanky Scientologist going back to his roots and ditching the sad-bastard emo-ness of 2002's 'Sea Change' in favor of Dust Brothers fueled breakbeats and the type of wonky grooves that garnered him wide-spread attention from kids the world over in the first place. Back from a world-tour in support of that release, Beck is ready to unleash it's companion piece 'Guerolito,' for which he handpicked an eclectic group of hip-hop and electronica artists who were gathered together to reinterprate and reimagine the tunes which some critics considered his best work in years!

The track listing for 'Guerolito' is as follows:

"Ghost Range (E-Pro)" - remix by Homelife
"Que Onda Guero" - remix by Islands
"Girl" - remix by Octet
"Heaven Hammer (Missing)" - remix by Air
"Shake Shake Tambourine (Black Tambourine)" - remix by Adrock (Beastie Boys)
"Terremoto Tempo (Earthquake Weather)" - remix by Mario C
"Ghettochipp Malfunction (Hell Yes)" - remix by 8-Bit
"Broken Drum" - remix by Boards of Canada
"Scarecrow" - remix by El-P
"Wish Coin (Go It Alone)" - remix by Diplo
"Farewell Ride" - remix by Subtle
"Rental Car" - remix by John King (Dust Brothers)
"Emergency Exit" - remix by Th' Corn Gangg
"Clap Hands"

Not content with simply remixing the sounds from his "comeback" disc, Beck even enlisted 'Guero' cover artist Marcel Dzama in "remixing" the album's artwork, creating new variations on the distinctive and striking original package. 'Guerolito' is supposed to hit store shelves on December 13th along with a 'Guero' deluxe package in limited quantity UMD format... whatever that means... both via Interscope Records.

But it should have stopped there.

Brandy's brother Ray-J didn't though and decided it would be a good idea to do a cover of "Clocks" by Coldplay. He does manage some nice air guitar, air piano and air drums though.

No word yet on if Chris Martin and the boys are looking into covering any of Ray-J's zero hits.

For serious.

Her first single off 'Confessions On A Dancefloor' entitled "Hung Up" has to be one of the most infectious joints to hit the airwaves and dancefloors in a minute. Sampling heavily from Abba's "Gimme Gimme Gimme," "Hung Up" was produced by Madonna along with Stuart Price (Jacques Lu Cont/Thin White Duke) who has remixed tracks for Fischerspooner, Royksopp, The Killers and Goldfrapp recently. I can't stop playing this damn song. Seriously. So now I have to share it with you.

Madonna "Hung Up (Album Version)"

I also can't stop watching the video for it. It was directed by Johan Renck who's directed quite a few of my favorite videos such as The Streets' "Dry Your Eys," New Order's "Krafty" and Kylie Minogue's "Love At First Sight." Dude combined "Saturday Night Fever" and DDR along with some ill ass dancers to make one of the freshest videos out right now. I watch this joint everyday. Feel free to bust some stupid dope moves while you watch it. Just use caution when doing so with others in the room.

Madonna "Hung Up"

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The official Definitive Jux website is featuring new music from a reunited Vast Aire Kramer and Vordul Megilah of Harlem New York's Cannibal Ox in their audio/video jukebox dealy. The new song is called "From The Planet Of Eat," it was produced by none other than the group's unofficial third member El-P, it's on their new live LP 'The Return Of The Ox - Live From CMJ,' and it is motherfucking incredible! After widespread disappointment with Vast's solo shit, universal apathy in refference to Vordul's solo project, rumors that the group broke up, and estrangement from the label where they got their start the quality of "From The Planet Of Eat" is a good sign for the group's future endeavours. The most important of those endeavours being their currently untitled follow-up to 2001's 'The Cold Vein' which Vast, Vordul and El-P are working on now in anticipation of a release sometime next year on Definitive Jux. The internet rumor-mill has been abuzz with gossip about Pete Rock and Wu Tang Clan abbot RZA contributing production to the album, but if El-P can keep cranking out beats like "The Planet Of Eat" I don't think real Cannibal Ox fans will settle for anything less than an album full of the same without any outside hands tinkering with the group's patented sound.

When I first started to listen to Nizlopi's "JCB Song" on the radio I wasn't too keen about it. It seemed a little out of my league. As I investigated the song further, listening to the lyrics, it soon started to rub off on me. Though it was Nizlopi's video for "JCB Song" that sold me...and I can't help but say this is my new guilty pleasure song!

Nizlopi's, video is a cute little animation that looks like a kid drew it. The video's, created by Laith Bahrani of Monkee Hub, idea works well with the song since it's mainly about a five year old kid who is riding along-side his father in a tractor while the engine "rattles his bum like berzerk!" Sounds corny, but the video also features some fun visitors like T-Rex and Optimus Prime!

"JCB Song" is influenced by Luke, one of the two Nizlopi members, childhood in the '80s. He is dyslexic and was usually teased in school and wished he could "eat up all the bullies and teachers..." He was reluctant to not go to school one day and instead spent some quality time with his dad. Here he could day-dream about Transformers and pretend his dad was practicing kung fu moves like Bruce Lee.

It's a cute little animation I can't help but smile while watching it!

The country has been abuzz today about last night's unforgettable episode of 'Trading Spouses.' But not many people know that Margaret Perrin is also the lead singer of a lap-pop outfit which is be-dubbed The God Warriors.

Luckily, I have found an MP3 of the band, and I'm going to share it with you.

The God Warriors "Slagkick"

Juelz Santana feat. Cam'ron and Sizzla "Shottas"

Intro: Sizzla (Juelz Santana)
Owwwww!!!! Ha Ha!!!
Click clack and it's over you dead (This is it)
My damn glock, buss a cap in your head (Santana)
It's in my blood I love killin' you fools (This here for my shottas)
I'm a thug, that goes by no rules (DipSet!) Owwwww!!!!

Chorus: Juelz Santana
Heaven knows if I'm meant to go (I'm a shotta)
Let me know if I'm meant to go (I'm a shotta)
Send the toast if I'm meant to go (I'm a shotta)
Tell my folks I've been sent to go
I got a shotta, shotta, shotta, shotta
Scream shotta, shotta, shotta, shotta
We shottas, shottas, shottas, shottas
Yeah shottas, shottas, shottas, shottas

Verse 1: Juelz Santana
All sides all guys all rise now
BO! BO! BO! BO! Lick four shots now
Now all ladies more ladies all guys down
Say Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Four times now
Shake that ass like a shotta ho, get in shotta mode
(Yeah!) It's DipSet bitch yeah there them shottas go
And them shots will go (BO!) and them shots a blow (BO!)
Damn straight through your man's plantino
You'll get a pushin' rod for bein a rookie paw
And puttin' your head in the next man cookie jar
We supportin', enforcin', extortion'
Involved in, take parts in, all money launderin'
We are shottas, yes y'all to the death y'all
Money power respect y'all the hell with the rest y'all
If heaven ain't got a ghetto I guess I'm goin to hell
With the rest y'all, with a L and my vest on (Yeah!)

Chorus: Juelz Santana
Heaven knows if I'm meant to go (I'm a shotta)
Let me know if I'm meant to go (I'm a shotta)
Send the toast if I'm meant to go (I'm a shotta)
Tell my folks I've been sent to go
I got a shotta, shotta, shotta, shotta
Scream shotta, shotta, shotta, shotta
We shottas, shottas, shottas, shottas
Yeah shottas, shottas, shottas, shottas

Bridge: Sizzla
Click clack and it's over you dead
My damn glock, bus a cap in your head
It's in my blood I love killin' you fools
I'm a thug, that goes by no rules
Click clack and it's over you dead
My damn glock, bus a cap in your head
It's in my blood I love killin' you fools
Hey, outlaws goes by no rules

Verse 2: Juelz Santana
Now tell me who wanna fuck with us? (Who)
Who wanna romp with us? (Who)
(BO! BO! BO! BO!) You know what's up with us
(We are shottas!!!) True coke smugglers
Tombstone coverers then move or need full blown coverage
Our shottas (BO!) BIG was a shotta (BO!) Pac was a shotta
Shyne locked up cause Shyne was a shotta
(BO!) Shottas, one more time lick a shot for my shottas
My pops was never there that made my mama the shotta (BO!)
Made by a woman I was raised by a woman
So I never loved a bitch but I stay by my women
They are shottas, we a breed of achievers
That will do anything to suceed or achieve it
You walk like a shotta, you talk like a shotta
But won't stand up in the court like a shotta
Niggas like you ought to get shot up
For actin' and bein' a fraudulent shotta

Chorus: Juelz Santana
Heaven knows if I'm meant to go (I'm a shotta)
Let me know if I'm meant to go (I'm a shotta)
Send the toast if I'm meant to go (I'm a shotta)
Tell my folks I've been sent to go
I got a shotta, shotta, shotta, shotta
Scream shotta, shotta, shotta, shotta
We shottas, shottas, shottas, shottas
Yeah shottas, shottas, shottas, shottas

Verse 3: Cam'ron
My shottas (BO!) they shottas (BO!)
Dreadlocks, Rastas
Rudeboys, popped up
Imposter, hang with the lobsters
Sang like the opera, well bang with the mobsters
Don gargon, hard 'un, love the drama
Untuck the lama, now suck your mama
Boom boom bang clack zoom zoom
Who wound guys, wise, yes touch poom pooms
I'm Gotti boy, with that shotty toy
Ladi dadi howdy mami I body a battyboy
I cannot flop, ahk, this a shot-clock
Twenty four seconds you're inside a hot pot
It get deep daddy, out the piece caddy
He curry chicken, turn him a beef patty
Get the coco bread, I'm a loco head
With the 'fo 'fo oh, he'll be oh so dead

Bridge: Sizzla
Click clack and it's over you dead
My damn glock, bus a cap in your head
It's in my blood I love killin' you fools
I'm a thug, that goes by no rules
Click clack and it's over you dead
My damn glock, bus a cap in your head
It's in my blood I love killin' you fools
Hey, outlaws goes by no rules

Chorus: Juelz Santana
Heaven knows if I'm meant to go (I'm a shotta)
Let me know if I'm meant to go (I'm a shotta)
Send the toast if I'm meant to go (I'm a shotta)
Tell my folks I've been sent to go
I got a shotta, shotta, shotta, shotta
Scream shotta, shotta, shotta, shotta
We shottas, shottas, shottas, shottas
Yeah shottas, shottas, shottas, shottas

It was a number of months ago that we featured audio of a new Scott Storch produced Floetry track featuring emcee Common called "Supastar." That track is only now getting the public push as a single with a video clip and the whole nine. In fact, I just got the 12'' in the mail today myself. Slow single build-up withstanding though, the girls' new full-length album 'Flo'Ology' is dropping tomorrow, November 8th, on Geffen Records. You can check out a couple of tracks from the album, including "Supastar," on this Floetry e-card right now if you're so inclined. Or you could always just peep the "Supastar" video in any number of streaming formats if that's more your style.

Floetry feat. Common "Supastar"

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If you were sleeping when it dropped, the girls are also featured on "Automatique," one of the better tracks off the new Blackalicious album 'The Craft.' You can find 'The Craft' in stores now on Epitaph Records. Floetry's 'Flo'Ology' hits store shelves tomorrow on Geffen Records.

Though they're beloved by critics and have attained a cult-like following amongst a certain sector of hip-hop's so-called backpacker sub-culture, hip-hop band The Roots have never had a top ten hit. No, not even a top ten rap hit. This is despite the fact that they're more than a decade deep in the game and have released six full-length albums since emerging back in the mid '90s. With that many years of experience and all those memorable recordings behind them they're currently preparing a new album, for a new label, the Sean Carter helmed Def Jam. But before they leave their long-time home at Geffen Records they're gonna give listeners ( both fan and neophyte alike ) a chance to reminisce back on, or just familiarize themselves with, the band's musical roots with 'Homegrown! The Beginners Guide To Understanding The Roots,' a new two volume "greatest hits" collection.

Each volume of 'Homegrown!' contains material pulled directly from the archives of Roots drummer and producer Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson including rare and unreleased tracks, remixes and unreleased instrumentals. Guests include Roy Ayers, Raphael Saadiq, D'Angelo, Jill Scott, Rhazel, Common, Mos Def, Scratch Eve, Beanie Sigel, Jaguar Wright, Scott Storch and more. Both volumes of this special 29 track two-disc release will go on sale November 15th on Geffen Records.

The track "The Lesson Part III" originally appeared on the soundtrack for the film 'The Best Man' and again as a bonus cut on the group's live album 'The Roots Come Alive,' which was something of a "greatest hits" album itself. It's featured again on 'Homegrown!.' It's also featured right here in streaming audio if you want to check it out.

The Roots feat. Jaguar Wright & Dice Raw "The Lesson Part III ( It's Over Now )"

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