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(04/01/04 5:00am)
When Friday rolls around, books are thrown aside and exams are forgotten. Planning and organization are the last things weekend partiers are worried about. But for the ones actually hosting the big, gotta-be-there bash, it's important to keep clear heads on their shoulders.\nThrowing a truly kick-ass house party requires planning, dedication and preparation -- things normally reserved for acing an exam or writing a research paper. And as long as college has had exams and reports to stress about, the house party has been a way to unwind, as well as a permanent fixture of the college social scene. And when planning a big bash, going all-out is the only way to do it right. \nSenior D'Eant'e Tolliver has been planning a joint birthday bash for himself and his buddy since January. \n"Our party is the Source Awards II: the Remix," Tolliver says, noting that they had the original party last year. "I'm gonna be Jay-Z, my favorite rapper. We're going to have the red carpet, a V.I.P. list and Thug's Passion." \nTolliver's "Thug's Passion" is his secret party brew, named after the Tupac song "Thug Passion." Unfortunately, the ingredients are top secret.\nBeyond personal mixes, liquor stores are the hot spots to stock up for a party. Senior Ashley Megonigle, an employee at Big Red Liquors, says party hosts buy a variety of drinks besides the common keg of Bud Light. \n"Vanilla vodka and vanilla rum are very popular," Megonigle says. "Also Kamchatka (vodka) is just $9.99 for a handle, which is ridiculous." \nOther popular bargains at Big Red are the case of "stones," or Keystone Light, which provides 30 beers for just $12.99, as well as a keg of Honey Brown at just $65.99. Also, Megonigle says Everclear or other grain alcohols make for a good party. \nSenior Sean Miller says Jägermeister is always a hit at his parties.\n"We have a Jäger Machine, which makes three pints of Jäger ice cold," he says. "It's definitely a party favorite, everyone has to have at least one shot when they're here. Only problem is, it's usually gone before 1 a.m."\nNo matter what is being served, special care must be taken to make sure the party is not busted for noise or underage drinking. Indiana University Police Department Sergeant Don Schmuhl says there are certain things you can do to minimize the risk. \n"If someone is going to have a party, use common sense," Schmuhl suggests. "Keep the party indoors and don't serve to people underage."\nOnce the police show up, it doesn't necessarily mean everyone underage will be cited for drinking and the party hosts will be arrested or issued expensive noise violations (the minimum fine in Bloomington for a noise violation is $50). Sometimes a mere slap on the wrist is the only penalty. \n"There are several differences," Schmuhl says. "If [the police] have calls backed up, or no time on a particular night, they won't stay too long." \nWith the new installation of "keg tracking," which requires the name of the purchaser to be posted on the keg, it is easier for police to track down who is responsible should any minors be found drinking from it. As a result, people have become more weary of supplying kegs for parties. They buy hundreds of canned beers instead. But Schmuhl notes that there have been very few arrests or fines as a result of the new keg tracking rule, though he expects enforcement to increase. \nWhile Schmuhl recommends anyone under 21 stay clear of alcohol at parties and other events, it's an unrealistic option for many underage students. Miller has had several run-ins with the cops over his four years at IU, and offers a bit of advice to underage party-goers. \n"I just run," he says. "Don't hold parties at your own house. Go to others so you aren't responsible. And if the cops come to break it up, run like the wind. Also, never go to the (Varsity) Villas, they always get busted." \nPerhaps the one fear party holders hold over anything else -- over cops, accidents and fights -- is the "sausage fest." For male hosts, nothing can kill a party faster than having too many guys and too few women. Aside from balancing the ratio, Tolliver says ladies bring a positive dynamic to the party. \n"Ladies make parties fun," he says. "They always come with a positive attitude and they just want to have fun and a good time. They sing, dance and most importantly they always appreciate R&B songs." \nDivisions among partiers or groups of uninvited guests can also cause trouble at an otherwise good bash.\n"I like parties when they're not cliquey," says senior Susan Bebenroth. "When it's all chill, everyone is nice and just says 'hey' and is treated equally."\nOf course, any good party will eventually receive a visit from random "sketch balls;" guests who nobody in the house knows, and appear out of place. Schmuhl says precaution should be taken to avoid this situation. \n"I'd recommend if you don't know who they are, don't let them in," Schmuhl says. "Know who's coming and know everyone there."\nTolliver has his own plan to avoid unwanted guests.\n"We're having a list," he says. "No randoms. It will discourage the sketchiness. Also, everyone coming must be of-age." \nThemes are another way of turning a typical house party into a special event. Senior Dayna Yonkoski remembers one theme party which was a change of pace to the normal party scene.\n"I went to a black tie, formal party last year," she says. "It was a good change of pace. It was also cool to see how some people acted differently, more formal, and then some just acted the same as any normal party. It's interesting to see the college lifestyle mix with a more formal, elegant party." \nWith the end of the year right around the corner, there are fewer weekends to plan that perfect final bash of the year. Miller is already working on some ideas with his roommates as to what their next fiesta will be. \n"We've got some things in the works," he notes. "We're gonna try and have a toga party, maybe a formal date party, some barbeques… who knows, but we're seniors and this is it. We've gotta go balls out"
(04/01/04 5:00am)
For ten years, nobody has run the city quite like Diddy. Of course, Bad Boy Records' golden years will always be considered in the mid- '90s when Biggie Smalls was the co-king of rap, and rapper-turned-preacher Mase owned the party airwaves. P. Diddy, founder and CEO of Bad Boy, has survived through everything: the shootings, the end to the "Jiggy-era," his excess of '80s sampling, his horrid follow up to No Way Out, the inaptly titled Forever and an assault charge following his controversial appearance in Nas' "Hate Me Now" video. \nThankfully, this compilation is a celebration of the past, not a feeble attempt to promote the future (a la "Making the Band"), because early hits like "Hypnotize," "Feel So Good" and "Mo Money Mo Problems" are how Bad Boy will be immortalized. Biggie rightfully appears on eight of the CD's tracks (likely equal to the impact he had over Bad Boy anyways). \nThe CD also contains a bonus DVD, complete with 11 Bad Boy music videos. It's quite interesting to check out, since Bad Boy defined the flashy, high budget rap videos we still see today. My only complaint on the DVD end: where's the J-Lo blessed "Been Around the World" video? Still bitter, Diddy?
(04/01/04 4:22am)
For ten years, nobody has run the city quite like Diddy. Of course, Bad Boy Records' golden years will always be considered in the mid- '90s when Biggie Smalls was the co-king of rap, and rapper-turned-preacher Mase owned the party airwaves. P. Diddy, founder and CEO of Bad Boy, has survived through everything: the shootings, the end to the "Jiggy-era," his excess of '80s sampling, his horrid follow up to No Way Out, the inaptly titled Forever and an assault charge following his controversial appearance in Nas' "Hate Me Now" video. \nThankfully, this compilation is a celebration of the past, not a feeble attempt to promote the future (a la "Making the Band"), because early hits like "Hypnotize," "Feel So Good" and "Mo Money Mo Problems" are how Bad Boy will be immortalized. Biggie rightfully appears on eight of the CD's tracks (likely equal to the impact he had over Bad Boy anyways). \nThe CD also contains a bonus DVD, complete with 11 Bad Boy music videos. It's quite interesting to check out, since Bad Boy defined the flashy, high budget rap videos we still see today. My only complaint on the DVD end: where's the J-Lo blessed "Been Around the World" video? Still bitter, Diddy?
(04/01/04 3:47am)
When Friday rolls around, books are thrown aside and exams are forgotten. Planning and organization are the last things weekend partiers are worried about. But for the ones actually hosting the big, gotta-be-there bash, it's important to keep clear heads on their shoulders.\nThrowing a truly kick-ass house party requires planning, dedication and preparation -- things normally reserved for acing an exam or writing a research paper. And as long as college has had exams and reports to stress about, the house party has been a way to unwind, as well as a permanent fixture of the college social scene. And when planning a big bash, going all-out is the only way to do it right. \nSenior D'Eant'e Tolliver has been planning a joint birthday bash for himself and his buddy since January. \n"Our party is the Source Awards II: the Remix," Tolliver says, noting that they had the original party last year. "I'm gonna be Jay-Z, my favorite rapper. We're going to have the red carpet, a V.I.P. list and Thug's Passion." \nTolliver's "Thug's Passion" is his secret party brew, named after the Tupac song "Thug Passion." Unfortunately, the ingredients are top secret.\nBeyond personal mixes, liquor stores are the hot spots to stock up for a party. Senior Ashley Megonigle, an employee at Big Red Liquors, says party hosts buy a variety of drinks besides the common keg of Bud Light. \n"Vanilla vodka and vanilla rum are very popular," Megonigle says. "Also Kamchatka (vodka) is just $9.99 for a handle, which is ridiculous." \nOther popular bargains at Big Red are the case of "stones," or Keystone Light, which provides 30 beers for just $12.99, as well as a keg of Honey Brown at just $65.99. Also, Megonigle says Everclear or other grain alcohols make for a good party. \nSenior Sean Miller says Jägermeister is always a hit at his parties.\n"We have a Jäger Machine, which makes three pints of Jäger ice cold," he says. "It's definitely a party favorite, everyone has to have at least one shot when they're here. Only problem is, it's usually gone before 1 a.m."\nNo matter what is being served, special care must be taken to make sure the party is not busted for noise or underage drinking. Indiana University Police Department Sergeant Don Schmuhl says there are certain things you can do to minimize the risk. \n"If someone is going to have a party, use common sense," Schmuhl suggests. "Keep the party indoors and don't serve to people underage."\nOnce the police show up, it doesn't necessarily mean everyone underage will be cited for drinking and the party hosts will be arrested or issued expensive noise violations (the minimum fine in Bloomington for a noise violation is $50). Sometimes a mere slap on the wrist is the only penalty. \n"There are several differences," Schmuhl says. "If [the police] have calls backed up, or no time on a particular night, they won't stay too long." \nWith the new installation of "keg tracking," which requires the name of the purchaser to be posted on the keg, it is easier for police to track down who is responsible should any minors be found drinking from it. As a result, people have become more weary of supplying kegs for parties. They buy hundreds of canned beers instead. But Schmuhl notes that there have been very few arrests or fines as a result of the new keg tracking rule, though he expects enforcement to increase. \nWhile Schmuhl recommends anyone under 21 stay clear of alcohol at parties and other events, it's an unrealistic option for many underage students. Miller has had several run-ins with the cops over his four years at IU, and offers a bit of advice to underage party-goers. \n"I just run," he says. "Don't hold parties at your own house. Go to others so you aren't responsible. And if the cops come to break it up, run like the wind. Also, never go to the (Varsity) Villas, they always get busted." \nPerhaps the one fear party holders hold over anything else -- over cops, accidents and fights -- is the "sausage fest." For male hosts, nothing can kill a party faster than having too many guys and too few women. Aside from balancing the ratio, Tolliver says ladies bring a positive dynamic to the party. \n"Ladies make parties fun," he says. "They always come with a positive attitude and they just want to have fun and a good time. They sing, dance and most importantly they always appreciate R&B songs." \nDivisions among partiers or groups of uninvited guests can also cause trouble at an otherwise good bash.\n"I like parties when they're not cliquey," says senior Susan Bebenroth. "When it's all chill, everyone is nice and just says 'hey' and is treated equally."\nOf course, any good party will eventually receive a visit from random "sketch balls;" guests who nobody in the house knows, and appear out of place. Schmuhl says precaution should be taken to avoid this situation. \n"I'd recommend if you don't know who they are, don't let them in," Schmuhl says. "Know who's coming and know everyone there."\nTolliver has his own plan to avoid unwanted guests.\n"We're having a list," he says. "No randoms. It will discourage the sketchiness. Also, everyone coming must be of-age." \nThemes are another way of turning a typical house party into a special event. Senior Dayna Yonkoski remembers one theme party which was a change of pace to the normal party scene.\n"I went to a black tie, formal party last year," she says. "It was a good change of pace. It was also cool to see how some people acted differently, more formal, and then some just acted the same as any normal party. It's interesting to see the college lifestyle mix with a more formal, elegant party." \nWith the end of the year right around the corner, there are fewer weekends to plan that perfect final bash of the year. Miller is already working on some ideas with his roommates as to what their next fiesta will be. \n"We've got some things in the works," he notes. "We're gonna try and have a toga party, maybe a formal date party, some barbeques… who knows, but we're seniors and this is it. We've gotta go balls out"
(03/11/04 5:00am)
It's a shame that southern hip-hop is now being represented in the mainstream by yell-rap artists such as Lil' Jon & the East Side Boyz, Ying Yang Twins, Lil' Scrappy, YoungBloodZ, etc., who bark at you until you're forced to admit they're hard, either because you believe them or because you can't take their raspy commands anymore. \nAll the while, Cee-Lo's first single off Cee-Lo Green Is the Soul Machine, "I'll be Around" featuring Timbaland, is a bouncing, soulful four-minute tour through the real south, which hasn't seen a lick of MTV or radio airplay around these parts. \nBut then again, maybe Cee-Lo is just too unique for radio play. You never know where his songs will go next. He's a walking, loving, singing definition of "eclectic," as he blends the old with the new and the new with the unheard. \nCee-Lo brings in fellow southern super-producers Timbaland and the Neptunes on a handful of occasions ("The Art of Noise," "I'll be Around," "Let's Stay Together"), and each are successful in providing beats as unique as Cee-Lo's presence. This isn't to sell Cee-Lo's own production short, because his sound triumphs on more than one occasion. "I Am Selling Soul" takes you on an expressway of disco-funk, then halfway-in suddenly shifts to the darkest depths of Cee-Lo's thoughts. \nCee-Lo at times comes off as one tough cookie on tracks like "Scrap Metal" and his album art has him staring mean-mugged through shades. On "Glockapella" he gets defensive, citing at the beginning, "I will invest four minutes exactly/for everyone who has the audacity to attack me!" It's tough to take him seriously, and you shouldn't. He's a big ol' love machine, and on "All Day Love Affair" we catch him at his happiest, as he sings to his muse over a joyful chorus of brass. \nIt's impossible to describe Cee-Lo's delivery. Many times, it's as though his lyrics are being spoken right as they come to his head, from, of course, the soul. He raps, he sings and sometimes he just preaches over a running beat. At times, the album appears as though it isn't even finished, as he is still scrambling to figure out just what he's thinking. But he eventually convinces listeners there may never be a definitive answer. Cee-Lo just does what feels right, and in the end the results are simply beautiful.
(03/11/04 12:31am)
It's a shame that southern hip-hop is now being represented in the mainstream by yell-rap artists such as Lil' Jon & the East Side Boyz, Ying Yang Twins, Lil' Scrappy, YoungBloodZ, etc., who bark at you until you're forced to admit they're hard, either because you believe them or because you can't take their raspy commands anymore. \nAll the while, Cee-Lo's first single off Cee-Lo Green Is the Soul Machine, "I'll be Around" featuring Timbaland, is a bouncing, soulful four-minute tour through the real south, which hasn't seen a lick of MTV or radio airplay around these parts. \nBut then again, maybe Cee-Lo is just too unique for radio play. You never know where his songs will go next. He's a walking, loving, singing definition of "eclectic," as he blends the old with the new and the new with the unheard. \nCee-Lo brings in fellow southern super-producers Timbaland and the Neptunes on a handful of occasions ("The Art of Noise," "I'll be Around," "Let's Stay Together"), and each are successful in providing beats as unique as Cee-Lo's presence. This isn't to sell Cee-Lo's own production short, because his sound triumphs on more than one occasion. "I Am Selling Soul" takes you on an expressway of disco-funk, then halfway-in suddenly shifts to the darkest depths of Cee-Lo's thoughts. \nCee-Lo at times comes off as one tough cookie on tracks like "Scrap Metal" and his album art has him staring mean-mugged through shades. On "Glockapella" he gets defensive, citing at the beginning, "I will invest four minutes exactly/for everyone who has the audacity to attack me!" It's tough to take him seriously, and you shouldn't. He's a big ol' love machine, and on "All Day Love Affair" we catch him at his happiest, as he sings to his muse over a joyful chorus of brass. \nIt's impossible to describe Cee-Lo's delivery. Many times, it's as though his lyrics are being spoken right as they come to his head, from, of course, the soul. He raps, he sings and sometimes he just preaches over a running beat. At times, the album appears as though it isn't even finished, as he is still scrambling to figure out just what he's thinking. But he eventually convinces listeners there may never be a definitive answer. Cee-Lo just does what feels right, and in the end the results are simply beautiful.
(03/04/04 5:00am)
The big TV networks have a big problem: the kiddies aren't gobbling up their sitcoms like the old days. Of the top ten shows (according to Nielsen Media during the week of Feb. 16-22), only two, "Friends" and "Everybody Loves Raymond" (both well past their prime) are situation comedies. The rest of the top ten is rounded out with both nights of "American Idol," drama series and reality shows. \nThe numbers are even more staggering when it comes to the young adult demographic. Simply put, once "Friends" concludes at the end of the season, hardly any of the coveted 18 to 25-year-olds will be watching primetime network TV. \n"Curb Your Enthusiasm," a unique spin-off of "Seinfeld," one of NBC's most profitable and popular shows, which defined the "Must See TV" 9 p.m. timeslot (the most coveted slot in network TV at the time), is in its fourth season and continues to gain steam as TV's funniest half hour. But rather than a spin on one of the show's four main characters (or even Newman for that matter), it goes into uncharted waters: a spin-off on the show's creator: Larry David. \nLarry, who has gone from a middle-class struggling comic to someone who never has to worry about money for the rest of his life after the incredible success of "Seinfeld," now must uncomfortably make the transition to Los Angeles socialite. Even his wife and closest friends, Richard Lewis (playing himself) and his agent Jeff Greene (played by comedian Jeff Garlin) can't fathom his antics at times. But more often than not, they end up joining him. \nLarry proves one thing over the course of the show: no matter how drastic the environment, you still can't change him. He continues to drive a basic, compact car and wears unassuming, no-name clothing. The only luxury he truly does enjoy is the country club, of which he is eventually kicked out. \n"Curb" can obviously be associated with "Seinfeld." It nitpicks people's daily insecurities and Larry's good deeds often turn bad. But then again, "Curb" and "Seinfeld" could not be further apart in other aspects. Frankly, it may just change the way the situation comedy, a dying breed, is made. \nWhen the concept of the sitcom was first devised, the leading show in the genre was "I Love Lucy," which set the stage; entrances and studio audience. For the next half century, the plots, characters and settings have changed, but the basic fundamentals of the sitcom have stayed the same. \nWhat's the deal with the studio audience, anyways? A half-century after its introduction, doesn't it seem to be a little out of date these days? As an avid TV viewing culture, do we still need to be told when to laugh? Or is the studio audience a way of perhaps helping an audience get over its insecurity of laughing by reassuring them, "Yes! Laugh! When Will told Grace to stop being so 'gay,' that was funny because in fact, Will is gay!" "Curb" has proven you can in fact have the masses rolling on the ground laughing, even if no laugh track is encouraging them to do so. \nWhile sitcom pilots continue to get shot down by networks in favor of reality shows and contests, "Curb" is one half of cable TV's most watched hour (the now concluded "Sex in the City" being the first half of the Sunday 9 - 10 p.m. timeslot) despite its spot on a premium channel which has far less subscribers. \nBut "Curb" is reality TV done right. It's reality in the sense that it is filmed not on a stage but in real homes and buildings, and with scripts which are used loosely, and substituted for a casual, lifelike vernacular. But it is given a story line, so as to actually provide comedic results deeper and funnier than, say, Paris Hilton sticking her hand up a cow's rectum (see "The Simple Life"). When watching, you get the feeling this is what Larry goes through each day of his real, miserable life. \nOne advantage "Curb" has over the competition is its ability to be original and experimental being on HBO. Unlike the networks and even cable, censorship isn't an issue. This doesn't mean it shows gratuitous bosoms every once in awhile like most HBO series (in fact, "Curb" never shows nudity), but they can get away with a few vulgarities and discussions with prostitutes over how much work they can get in an hour, and the price difference between "chronic" and "schwag." This is something the conservative networks couldn't do (OK, maybe Fox could). \nAs network ratings continue to decline, and the young audiences continue to shift to cable for its regular dose of comedy, the networks will have to decide whether they should continue with the current, slowly dying formula of sitcoms, or perhaps step outside the box, like Larry David and HBO did, by doing something not so outdone and cliché. After all, the worst that will happen is no one will watch -- which already is the case.
(03/04/04 4:03am)
The big TV networks have a big problem: the kiddies aren't gobbling up their sitcoms like the old days. Of the top ten shows (according to Nielsen Media during the week of Feb. 16-22), only two, "Friends" and "Everybody Loves Raymond" (both well past their prime) are situation comedies. The rest of the top ten is rounded out with both nights of "American Idol," drama series and reality shows. \nThe numbers are even more staggering when it comes to the young adult demographic. Simply put, once "Friends" concludes at the end of the season, hardly any of the coveted 18 to 25-year-olds will be watching primetime network TV. \n"Curb Your Enthusiasm," a unique spin-off of "Seinfeld," one of NBC's most profitable and popular shows, which defined the "Must See TV" 9 p.m. timeslot (the most coveted slot in network TV at the time), is in its fourth season and continues to gain steam as TV's funniest half hour. But rather than a spin on one of the show's four main characters (or even Newman for that matter), it goes into uncharted waters: a spin-off on the show's creator: Larry David. \nLarry, who has gone from a middle-class struggling comic to someone who never has to worry about money for the rest of his life after the incredible success of "Seinfeld," now must uncomfortably make the transition to Los Angeles socialite. Even his wife and closest friends, Richard Lewis (playing himself) and his agent Jeff Greene (played by comedian Jeff Garlin) can't fathom his antics at times. But more often than not, they end up joining him. \nLarry proves one thing over the course of the show: no matter how drastic the environment, you still can't change him. He continues to drive a basic, compact car and wears unassuming, no-name clothing. The only luxury he truly does enjoy is the country club, of which he is eventually kicked out. \n"Curb" can obviously be associated with "Seinfeld." It nitpicks people's daily insecurities and Larry's good deeds often turn bad. But then again, "Curb" and "Seinfeld" could not be further apart in other aspects. Frankly, it may just change the way the situation comedy, a dying breed, is made. \nWhen the concept of the sitcom was first devised, the leading show in the genre was "I Love Lucy," which set the stage; entrances and studio audience. For the next half century, the plots, characters and settings have changed, but the basic fundamentals of the sitcom have stayed the same. \nWhat's the deal with the studio audience, anyways? A half-century after its introduction, doesn't it seem to be a little out of date these days? As an avid TV viewing culture, do we still need to be told when to laugh? Or is the studio audience a way of perhaps helping an audience get over its insecurity of laughing by reassuring them, "Yes! Laugh! When Will told Grace to stop being so 'gay,' that was funny because in fact, Will is gay!" "Curb" has proven you can in fact have the masses rolling on the ground laughing, even if no laugh track is encouraging them to do so. \nWhile sitcom pilots continue to get shot down by networks in favor of reality shows and contests, "Curb" is one half of cable TV's most watched hour (the now concluded "Sex in the City" being the first half of the Sunday 9 - 10 p.m. timeslot) despite its spot on a premium channel which has far less subscribers. \nBut "Curb" is reality TV done right. It's reality in the sense that it is filmed not on a stage but in real homes and buildings, and with scripts which are used loosely, and substituted for a casual, lifelike vernacular. But it is given a story line, so as to actually provide comedic results deeper and funnier than, say, Paris Hilton sticking her hand up a cow's rectum (see "The Simple Life"). When watching, you get the feeling this is what Larry goes through each day of his real, miserable life. \nOne advantage "Curb" has over the competition is its ability to be original and experimental being on HBO. Unlike the networks and even cable, censorship isn't an issue. This doesn't mean it shows gratuitous bosoms every once in awhile like most HBO series (in fact, "Curb" never shows nudity), but they can get away with a few vulgarities and discussions with prostitutes over how much work they can get in an hour, and the price difference between "chronic" and "schwag." This is something the conservative networks couldn't do (OK, maybe Fox could). \nAs network ratings continue to decline, and the young audiences continue to shift to cable for its regular dose of comedy, the networks will have to decide whether they should continue with the current, slowly dying formula of sitcoms, or perhaps step outside the box, like Larry David and HBO did, by doing something not so outdone and cliché. After all, the worst that will happen is no one will watch -- which already is the case.
(02/19/04 5:00am)
When Jay-Z, co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, signed producer Kanye West, he knew West wanted to be a rapper too. But Jay later admitted, "I didn't know he could rap this well…"\nThe College Dropout is an instant classic, and one of the most complete, game-changing hip-hop albums in years. \nProducers who make their own records are nothing new. Super-producers such as Timbaland, Dr. Dre, the Neptunes and Mannie Fresh are all examples, but none of these folks' albums have had as much impact as the work they've done working with other artists. \nNo rapper/producer, not Timbaland, not even Dr. Dre's The Chronic and 2001, have as well-rounded an album, complete with innovative rhyme schemes, delivery and most importantly, relevance.\nUntil now. \nWest is known for his production with everyone from Jay-Z to Talib Kweli to Alicia Keys. But his own record matches -- and even exceeds -- the endless string of hits he's created with these other artists in the past two years. \nWest's versatility, in beats and in rhymes, is an unparalleled combination. Known for putting soul back in hip-hop, West also successfully produces a hardcore sound on tracks "Get Em High" and "Breathe in Breath Out." \nDespite guest spots from Jay-Z, Ludacris, Twista, Talib Kweli, Mos Def and Common among others, it's West's raps that personify The College Dropout (unlike Dre's records, which would hardly be considered classics without heavy emphasis on features -- aka Snoop Doggy Dogg). The message and delivery on "All Falls Down" will make each label that turned him away thinking his raps couldn't possibly match-up to his beats question their sanity. \nWhen Jay-Z left rap last fall, one of the reasons was the strength of his Rock-A-Fella roster. What's ironic is West's innovation and inspiration may very well end up luring him back.
(02/18/04 11:43pm)
When Jay-Z, co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, signed producer Kanye West, he knew West wanted to be a rapper too. But Jay later admitted, "I didn't know he could rap this well…"\nThe College Dropout is an instant classic, and one of the most complete, game-changing hip-hop albums in years. \nProducers who make their own records are nothing new. Super-producers such as Timbaland, Dr. Dre, the Neptunes and Mannie Fresh are all examples, but none of these folks' albums have had as much impact as the work they've done working with other artists. \nNo rapper/producer, not Timbaland, not even Dr. Dre's The Chronic and 2001, have as well-rounded an album, complete with innovative rhyme schemes, delivery and most importantly, relevance.\nUntil now. \nWest is known for his production with everyone from Jay-Z to Talib Kweli to Alicia Keys. But his own record matches -- and even exceeds -- the endless string of hits he's created with these other artists in the past two years. \nWest's versatility, in beats and in rhymes, is an unparalleled combination. Known for putting soul back in hip-hop, West also successfully produces a hardcore sound on tracks "Get Em High" and "Breathe in Breath Out." \nDespite guest spots from Jay-Z, Ludacris, Twista, Talib Kweli, Mos Def and Common among others, it's West's raps that personify The College Dropout (unlike Dre's records, which would hardly be considered classics without heavy emphasis on features -- aka Snoop Doggy Dogg). The message and delivery on "All Falls Down" will make each label that turned him away thinking his raps couldn't possibly match-up to his beats question their sanity. \nWhen Jay-Z left rap last fall, one of the reasons was the strength of his Rock-A-Fella roster. What's ironic is West's innovation and inspiration may very well end up luring him back.
(02/12/04 5:00am)
Ah, the sequel. So many just don't live up to the hype anymore. So many are aimed at the almighty Benjamins. So many are disappointing. From this perspective, the Barbershop 2: Back in Business Soundtrack is a successful step up from the original. \nBigger names are called in this time around, including Outkast, G Unit, Eve, Sean Paul, Mya and rap star of the moment, Chingy. But what's shocking about Barbershop 2 is the best performance on the album comes from none of the above. Spitfiya, perhaps the most unknown name on the record, delivers the most desperate, energetic and memorable performance in "Make It Home" featuring Anthony Hamilton. This is a cut above most average soundtrack cuts -- most of which just go through the motions. The Neptunes win "Best Production" (surprised?) with their beat on the Clipse's "Pussy." \nEve, who stars in the film itself, shines on two songs -- both standouts -- including the lead single with Mary J. Blige "Not Today" and the retro-sounding "Never" featuring Keisha Cole. The can't-miss combination of Sleepy Brown and Outkast also bless the album with "I Can't Wait." \nBarbershop 2 brings together an eclectic mix of hard rap (D-12, G Unit, Clipse), smooth hip-hop (Floetry, Mos Def, Morgan Smith) and soulful R&B (Avant, Sleepy Brown), which is likely to satisfy fans of each genre.
(02/12/04 5:00am)
It's been a long time coming for the Brooklyn-based Pitch Black, having awaited its first major release since forming in 1994. \nTen years, countless tours and several underground and mixtape releases later, its time is now, as the five MC's that make up Pitch Black debut on Pitch Black Law. \nLike the name implies, Pitch Black Law isn't a glossy, glitzy album, but it also isn't so dark it beckons the demons either. It's a surprisingly smooth listen. "It's All Real," produced by DJ Premier, has the hottest hook on the record. Another super-producer, Swizz Beatz, lends his considerable bounce on "Shake That" and "NYC." \nBusta Rhymes and Foxy Brown make appearances on Pitch Black Law, but Pitch Black may be better off just doing its own thing, as the collective's chemistry is slightly interrupted on these tracks. D.G., Fast, G.O.D., Devious and Zakee each hold their own in the quintet, but it's when they feed off each other and exchange the mic that they're at their best. \nTen years together without a mainstream debut gives Pitch Black the chemistry and flow of hip-hop veterans, but the desperation and enthusiasm of 18-year-old rookies.
(02/12/04 5:00am)
Billiards, pool, 8-ball, sticks. . . whatever you may call the game, students can be thankful for the abundance of good shootin' in Bloomington. \nThe billiard table is a popular fixture in bars and pubs everywhere, but a six-foot table in a crowded bar like Upstairs Pub or Kilroy's Sports Bar, where constant pauses in action are needed to ask socialites unaware of the current game to please get out of the way, is not for the avid player. It's another task to try to find a straight stick with the preferred weight.\nBut the Bloomington pool aficionado need not frequent a crowded sports bar to find a worthy game of pool. \nQ Billiards, or better known simply as the "Pool Hall" for its simple white and black bold sign adorning its old entrance, is an elite facility for gurus and casual billiard players alike. \nAt the beginning of the semester, patrons of Q Billiards were treated with a brand new building, equipped with two floors and 26 tables. Compared to the old, smoky building two doors down, this is a major step up. \nKyong Jun Hong, a staff member at Q's, notes it has always been a popular student hang-out -- and increasingly so with the new facility. \n"We get more students than locals (even though we're downtown)," he says. "Everything we have here is new. New TV's, tables, pool sticks -- we're getting one or two new plasma screens in soon too. We put about $700,000 into the move." \nAmong the improvements is new felt for the original nine-foot tables. Also, the larger building offers the hall a second floor, filled with all new tables (three eight-footers and nine six-footers) for beginners who may become frustrated with the difficulty of the nine-foot tables. Since Q Billiards now has more than twice the tables, there are seldom lines even on crowded Friday and Saturday nights. \nPool enthusiast Casey Lowery says he makes trips to Q's about twice a week. Lowery finds the social and competitive aspects of pool a perfect match. \n"It's a game of skill, it's competitive," he says. "I like to win, sit and hang out with my friends. But I also like drinking $1 beers." \nOh yes, $1 beers. Every day, every hour. \nThe prices at Q's ($7 an hour on regulation tables and $1 bottles, imports and domestic) is something hard to find anywhere. Lowery, who prides himself on his beer knowledge and appreciation, praises Q's wide selection. \n"You can experiment with the variety beers if you haven't tried any," he says. "There's so many of them. It's good to drink a nice beer for $1 when a six pack somewhere would cost you $9." \nLowery, who frequented Q's long before its facelift, was pleasantly surprised to come back for the spring semester and discover the upgrade. \nBut he claims the reason he keeps coming back to Q's is the perfect poolhall environment. \n"People come here to play pool and drink good beer, not to get wasted," he says. "Everyone is on the same agenda. It's so much more spacious, no one's ever in the way." \nBut Q Billiards is a 21+ establishment and doesn't open its doors until 8 p.m., leaving under-aged students and afternoon pool sharks looking elsewhere to refine their skills. So where do you go if you're itching for a little nine-ball in the afternoon or you're not of age? \nBelieve it or not, the answer is as close and convenient as the Indiana Memorial Union. \nKenny Daily. a senior who is a regular to Q Billiards also finds afternoon refuge frequently in the Back Alley at the IMU. \n"I try to play pretty much everyday," Daily says. "I like playing here. It's only $3.50 an hour. You can't beat that." \nEven if Daily has as little as 20 minutes to kill between classes, he still finds time to squeak in a quick game of nine-ball or practice some tough shots, even if he can't find anyone else to play with. \nDaily says it's the quality of the hall and the atmosphere that keep him coming back. \n"The tables are nice, and they're full-sized nine-footers. A lot of bars can't fit that, and they're also too crowded," he says.\nAlso, the price of playing at the IMU offers a bargain to those who don't need a cold one to enjoy the sport. \nTina Salomito, an assistant at the IMU commons, says the tables are rarely crowded. \n"It's never full in the afternoon," she says. "The only time you have to wait for a table is on Friday and Saturday nights." \nDespite the rise in popularity on weekends, the price per table remains the same. The billiard room in the IMU is also non-smoking. \nSometimes a quick game of pool in a bar is just what the night calls for. But when billiards is the main thirst for the evening, Q Billiards and the IMU are both more than accommodating.
(02/11/04 10:11pm)
Billiards, pool, 8-ball, sticks. . . whatever you may call the game, students can be thankful for the abundance of good shootin' in Bloomington. \nThe billiard table is a popular fixture in bars and pubs everywhere, but a six-foot table in a crowded bar like Upstairs Pub or Kilroy's Sports Bar, where constant pauses in action are needed to ask socialites unaware of the current game to please get out of the way, is not for the avid player. It's another task to try to find a straight stick with the preferred weight.\nBut the Bloomington pool aficionado need not frequent a crowded sports bar to find a worthy game of pool. \nQ Billiards, or better known simply as the "Pool Hall" for its simple white and black bold sign adorning its old entrance, is an elite facility for gurus and casual billiard players alike. \nAt the beginning of the semester, patrons of Q Billiards were treated with a brand new building, equipped with two floors and 26 tables. Compared to the old, smoky building two doors down, this is a major step up. \nKyong Jun Hong, a staff member at Q's, notes it has always been a popular student hang-out -- and increasingly so with the new facility. \n"We get more students than locals (even though we're downtown)," he says. "Everything we have here is new. New TV's, tables, pool sticks -- we're getting one or two new plasma screens in soon too. We put about $700,000 into the move." \nAmong the improvements is new felt for the original nine-foot tables. Also, the larger building offers the hall a second floor, filled with all new tables (three eight-footers and nine six-footers) for beginners who may become frustrated with the difficulty of the nine-foot tables. Since Q Billiards now has more than twice the tables, there are seldom lines even on crowded Friday and Saturday nights. \nPool enthusiast Casey Lowery says he makes trips to Q's about twice a week. Lowery finds the social and competitive aspects of pool a perfect match. \n"It's a game of skill, it's competitive," he says. "I like to win, sit and hang out with my friends. But I also like drinking $1 beers." \nOh yes, $1 beers. Every day, every hour. \nThe prices at Q's ($7 an hour on regulation tables and $1 bottles, imports and domestic) is something hard to find anywhere. Lowery, who prides himself on his beer knowledge and appreciation, praises Q's wide selection. \n"You can experiment with the variety beers if you haven't tried any," he says. "There's so many of them. It's good to drink a nice beer for $1 when a six pack somewhere would cost you $9." \nLowery, who frequented Q's long before its facelift, was pleasantly surprised to come back for the spring semester and discover the upgrade. \nBut he claims the reason he keeps coming back to Q's is the perfect poolhall environment. \n"People come here to play pool and drink good beer, not to get wasted," he says. "Everyone is on the same agenda. It's so much more spacious, no one's ever in the way." \nBut Q Billiards is a 21+ establishment and doesn't open its doors until 8 p.m., leaving under-aged students and afternoon pool sharks looking elsewhere to refine their skills. So where do you go if you're itching for a little nine-ball in the afternoon or you're not of age? \nBelieve it or not, the answer is as close and convenient as the Indiana Memorial Union. \nKenny Daily. a senior who is a regular to Q Billiards also finds afternoon refuge frequently in the Back Alley at the IMU. \n"I try to play pretty much everyday," Daily says. "I like playing here. It's only $3.50 an hour. You can't beat that." \nEven if Daily has as little as 20 minutes to kill between classes, he still finds time to squeak in a quick game of nine-ball or practice some tough shots, even if he can't find anyone else to play with. \nDaily says it's the quality of the hall and the atmosphere that keep him coming back. \n"The tables are nice, and they're full-sized nine-footers. A lot of bars can't fit that, and they're also too crowded," he says.\nAlso, the price of playing at the IMU offers a bargain to those who don't need a cold one to enjoy the sport. \nTina Salomito, an assistant at the IMU commons, says the tables are rarely crowded. \n"It's never full in the afternoon," she says. "The only time you have to wait for a table is on Friday and Saturday nights." \nDespite the rise in popularity on weekends, the price per table remains the same. The billiard room in the IMU is also non-smoking. \nSometimes a quick game of pool in a bar is just what the night calls for. But when billiards is the main thirst for the evening, Q Billiards and the IMU are both more than accommodating.
(02/11/04 9:45pm)
It's been a long time coming for the Brooklyn-based Pitch Black, having awaited its first major release since forming in 1994. \nTen years, countless tours and several underground and mixtape releases later, its time is now, as the five MC's that make up Pitch Black debut on Pitch Black Law. \nLike the name implies, Pitch Black Law isn't a glossy, glitzy album, but it also isn't so dark it beckons the demons either. It's a surprisingly smooth listen. "It's All Real," produced by DJ Premier, has the hottest hook on the record. Another super-producer, Swizz Beatz, lends his considerable bounce on "Shake That" and "NYC." \nBusta Rhymes and Foxy Brown make appearances on Pitch Black Law, but Pitch Black may be better off just doing its own thing, as the collective's chemistry is slightly interrupted on these tracks. D.G., Fast, G.O.D., Devious and Zakee each hold their own in the quintet, but it's when they feed off each other and exchange the mic that they're at their best. \nTen years together without a mainstream debut gives Pitch Black the chemistry and flow of hip-hop veterans, but the desperation and enthusiasm of 18-year-old rookies.
(02/11/04 9:39pm)
Ah, the sequel. So many just don't live up to the hype anymore. So many are aimed at the almighty Benjamins. So many are disappointing. From this perspective, the Barbershop 2: Back in Business Soundtrack is a successful step up from the original. \nBigger names are called in this time around, including Outkast, G Unit, Eve, Sean Paul, Mya and rap star of the moment, Chingy. But what's shocking about Barbershop 2 is the best performance on the album comes from none of the above. Spitfiya, perhaps the most unknown name on the record, delivers the most desperate, energetic and memorable performance in "Make It Home" featuring Anthony Hamilton. This is a cut above most average soundtrack cuts -- most of which just go through the motions. The Neptunes win "Best Production" (surprised?) with their beat on the Clipse's "Pussy." \nEve, who stars in the film itself, shines on two songs -- both standouts -- including the lead single with Mary J. Blige "Not Today" and the retro-sounding "Never" featuring Keisha Cole. The can't-miss combination of Sleepy Brown and Outkast also bless the album with "I Can't Wait." \nBarbershop 2 brings together an eclectic mix of hard rap (D-12, G Unit, Clipse), smooth hip-hop (Floetry, Mos Def, Morgan Smith) and soulful R&B (Avant, Sleepy Brown), which is likely to satisfy fans of each genre.
(02/05/04 5:00am)
It's been six years since Twista released an album, posing the question: just what has he been doing all this time? Aside from being featured on various heavyweight CD's including Jay-Z's Blueprint 2.1 and Ludacris' Word of Mouf, he's remained in relative obscurity, all the while riding the wave of his '97 hood classic, Adrenaline Rush. \nIt's safe to say, no one raps faster than Twista, that's his niche. But on Kamikaze, Twista slows it down on several occasions. The record is far more commercial than his first two releases, but he's by no means "selling out." His A-list of featured performers and producers (Ludacris, Cee-lo, R. Kelly, Kanye West, etc.) only aid in solidifying the record. \nTwista, contrary to belief, is extremely versatile and it shows on Kamikaze. "Like a 24" and "Slow Jamz" are as good as party anthems come. On the flip side, "Sunshine" and "Hope" are emotionally vulnerable and genuine. Then brash, swaggering tracks like "Higher" and "One Last Time" complete the cycle. \nAlongside red-hot Chicago luminaries Kelly and West, Twista is doing his part in getting the city's underachieving hip-hop scene back on the map.
(02/05/04 5:00am)
Late last Thursday night I was tooling around in my Geo Prizm doing donuts in the stadium parking lot. The fresh four inches of powder gave me a once-in-a-winter chance to turn my four-cylinder economy ride into a performance ATV. \nBut on my way home, driving up Walnut I passed Kilroy's Sports Bar and noticed many fellow students not having as much fun as I in the night's winter wonderland. The line was out the door, which isn't surprising because honestly, who doesn't have a good time at Sports on Thursday? But what was shocking was the endless sight of shivering youths, ladies especially, wearing less layers than they would curled up in their cozy bed. \nWinters in Bloomington can be frigid… this past week especially. Why, oh why, aren't these youths thirsty for weekend libations bundled up in outerwear? Surely, their mothers taught them the value of layers and mittens. Has the allure of liquor and good company at the bar made them forget? \nAll down Kirkwood Ave. came the same story: scores of boys and girls shivering without the aid of Gortex, fleece, sweats or mink headwear, searching for heat in the form of a vendor's chili dog or from rubbing their exposed arms furiously up and down as though attempting to spark a fire. \nWhy doesn't anyone wear a coat to the bar? Easy. Wearing a coat in a warm, congested bar doesn't do much for fashion but plenty for body perspiration. A few blocks of cold discomfort is worth a few hours of inconvenience inside. \nI don't want to get Miller Lite and Jägermeister spilled all over my jacket, but don't want to risk pneumonia in order to bask in the fruits of college nightlife. Is there a happy medium? \nThen it hit me. How come no bars have a coat check? They're plentiful at fine restaurants, why not the bar? Wouldn't it make sense? \nAfter losing several nights of sleep pondering this issue (yes, I care about the student body -- no pun intended -- that much) I had to seek answers. \nI first stopped by Kilroy's Sports -- the origin of my quandary -- to ask them if they had a solution. They declined my request for an interview despite assuring them this wasn't an interview about finding rats in their kitchen, merely a question of whether there is anything they suggested to keep their patrons warm. \nThen I went to Kilroy's on Kirkwood. After asking to speak with a manager, the bouncer returned to inform me the manager says the IDS misquotes them too much so they don't do interviews anymore. C'mon, IS THAT THE BEST YOU CAN COME UP WITH? That reply is likely because they have no answer to my more pertinent question. Or this is some kind of conspiracy…\nI made my way upstairs to the Jungle Room, where I was able to sit down with co-manager Keenan Gill and discuss the subject. Gill admitted the frosty weather had likely hurt attendance with national acts like the Locusts, and perhaps that night when the popular reggae band The Itals performed. \nGill pointed out that the Jungle Room had increased crowd monitoring during the winter. Doing everything from salting and shoveling their sidewalks, to calling cabs and ensuring safe rides home for everyone. But what about a coat check? \n"It makes sense," admitted Gill. "Many have requested it, we've looked into it, but our economy of space doesn't allow it. We don't even have storage for beer, food, anything."\nGill and I saw eye-to-eye in that too many ladies run around the streets in next to nothing, for fear of losing or damaging their jacket. Is there any way they can get around the bars safe and warm?\n"Wear a hat, bottle in the heat," suggested Gill. A hat? What about the hair she spent so long on? "No, leave it on," added Gill. "Make it a fashion statement." \nAfter sharing a good cry over the injustice (okay, only I was sobbing), I left the Jungle Room and made my way out into the windy, frozen tundra that is downtown B-town. Thankfully, I had on my wool hat, jacket, scarf, mittens and hand warmers to keep my temperature up, but I watched in agony as a flock of ladies scurried past, sans outerwear. I pleaded with them to give me their reasoning, but they refused to talk. Maybe it was because they were too cold, maybe it was because my warmest coat was my aunt's or maybe trekking around scantly clad in the snow was a sore subject? Whatever it was, they sure didn't look happy. \nSo ladies and gentlemen of legal age and those who have a little piece of plastic that says you are, remember: next time you go to your favorite bar, upon entry proclaim: "the patron has spoken! No longer must I suffer the sniffles I received for three days walking to your bar to spend all of my mummy and daddy's money! Give me coat check or give me… ummm… Late Night at the IMU"
(02/05/04 1:58am)
Late last Thursday night I was tooling around in my Geo Prizm doing donuts in the stadium parking lot. The fresh four inches of powder gave me a once-in-a-winter chance to turn my four-cylinder economy ride into a performance ATV. \nBut on my way home, driving up Walnut I passed Kilroy's Sports Bar and noticed many fellow students not having as much fun as I in the night's winter wonderland. The line was out the door, which isn't surprising because honestly, who doesn't have a good time at Sports on Thursday? But what was shocking was the endless sight of shivering youths, ladies especially, wearing less layers than they would curled up in their cozy bed. \nWinters in Bloomington can be frigid… this past week especially. Why, oh why, aren't these youths thirsty for weekend libations bundled up in outerwear? Surely, their mothers taught them the value of layers and mittens. Has the allure of liquor and good company at the bar made them forget? \nAll down Kirkwood Ave. came the same story: scores of boys and girls shivering without the aid of Gortex, fleece, sweats or mink headwear, searching for heat in the form of a vendor's chili dog or from rubbing their exposed arms furiously up and down as though attempting to spark a fire. \nWhy doesn't anyone wear a coat to the bar? Easy. Wearing a coat in a warm, congested bar doesn't do much for fashion but plenty for body perspiration. A few blocks of cold discomfort is worth a few hours of inconvenience inside. \nI don't want to get Miller Lite and Jägermeister spilled all over my jacket, but don't want to risk pneumonia in order to bask in the fruits of college nightlife. Is there a happy medium? \nThen it hit me. How come no bars have a coat check? They're plentiful at fine restaurants, why not the bar? Wouldn't it make sense? \nAfter losing several nights of sleep pondering this issue (yes, I care about the student body -- no pun intended -- that much) I had to seek answers. \nI first stopped by Kilroy's Sports -- the origin of my quandary -- to ask them if they had a solution. They declined my request for an interview despite assuring them this wasn't an interview about finding rats in their kitchen, merely a question of whether there is anything they suggested to keep their patrons warm. \nThen I went to Kilroy's on Kirkwood. After asking to speak with a manager, the bouncer returned to inform me the manager says the IDS misquotes them too much so they don't do interviews anymore. C'mon, IS THAT THE BEST YOU CAN COME UP WITH? That reply is likely because they have no answer to my more pertinent question. Or this is some kind of conspiracy…\nI made my way upstairs to the Jungle Room, where I was able to sit down with co-manager Keenan Gill and discuss the subject. Gill admitted the frosty weather had likely hurt attendance with national acts like the Locusts, and perhaps that night when the popular reggae band The Itals performed. \nGill pointed out that the Jungle Room had increased crowd monitoring during the winter. Doing everything from salting and shoveling their sidewalks, to calling cabs and ensuring safe rides home for everyone. But what about a coat check? \n"It makes sense," admitted Gill. "Many have requested it, we've looked into it, but our economy of space doesn't allow it. We don't even have storage for beer, food, anything."\nGill and I saw eye-to-eye in that too many ladies run around the streets in next to nothing, for fear of losing or damaging their jacket. Is there any way they can get around the bars safe and warm?\n"Wear a hat, bottle in the heat," suggested Gill. A hat? What about the hair she spent so long on? "No, leave it on," added Gill. "Make it a fashion statement." \nAfter sharing a good cry over the injustice (okay, only I was sobbing), I left the Jungle Room and made my way out into the windy, frozen tundra that is downtown B-town. Thankfully, I had on my wool hat, jacket, scarf, mittens and hand warmers to keep my temperature up, but I watched in agony as a flock of ladies scurried past, sans outerwear. I pleaded with them to give me their reasoning, but they refused to talk. Maybe it was because they were too cold, maybe it was because my warmest coat was my aunt's or maybe trekking around scantly clad in the snow was a sore subject? Whatever it was, they sure didn't look happy. \nSo ladies and gentlemen of legal age and those who have a little piece of plastic that says you are, remember: next time you go to your favorite bar, upon entry proclaim: "the patron has spoken! No longer must I suffer the sniffles I received for three days walking to your bar to spend all of my mummy and daddy's money! Give me coat check or give me… ummm… Late Night at the IMU"
(02/05/04 12:58am)
It's been six years since Twista released an album, posing the question: just what has he been doing all this time? Aside from being featured on various heavyweight CD's including Jay-Z's Blueprint 2.1 and Ludacris' Word of Mouf, he's remained in relative obscurity, all the while riding the wave of his '97 hood classic, Adrenaline Rush. \nIt's safe to say, no one raps faster than Twista, that's his niche. But on Kamikaze, Twista slows it down on several occasions. The record is far more commercial than his first two releases, but he's by no means "selling out." His A-list of featured performers and producers (Ludacris, Cee-lo, R. Kelly, Kanye West, etc.) only aid in solidifying the record. \nTwista, contrary to belief, is extremely versatile and it shows on Kamikaze. "Like a 24" and "Slow Jamz" are as good as party anthems come. On the flip side, "Sunshine" and "Hope" are emotionally vulnerable and genuine. Then brash, swaggering tracks like "Higher" and "One Last Time" complete the cycle. \nAlongside red-hot Chicago luminaries Kelly and West, Twista is doing his part in getting the city's underachieving hip-hop scene back on the map.