How I Overcame The Scary Horror of September 11th

CLEVELAND - With today being the 10th anniversary of arguably the most seminal catastrophe in U.S. history, I feel it's the perfect time for me to re-live the great things that diverted my attention from that epic tragedy.

September 11, 2001.

That fateful morning, which began very peacefully but ended in calamity was one of great anticipation for me. I went to sleep the previous night with three major things on my mind; the new Jay-Z album that was set for release that day, the pending return to pro hoops of Michael Jordan and the forthcoming, new Michael Jackson album.

Those things delighted me during an otherwise nerve-wrecking day and beyond.

By noon on 9/11, the U.S. was in full panic mode. The terrorist attacks and the cowardly masterminds behind them had successfully shattered the nation's collective morale and feeling of safety. The 8-month old Bush Administration did its best to assuage any lingering fears us civilians may have had, but it was still a very tension-filled day, mostly because none of us knew what would happen next. Seeing two seemingly unassailable giants like the World Trade Center destroyed by hijacked airliners was enough to frighten anyone into thinking that the terror could soon reach all parts of the country.

But that morning, I had the new LP, The Blueprint, the aforementioned sixth album from Jay-Z. I took the bus to a record store to purchase the highly anticipated opus and couldn't wait to hear a track on the album that I'd heard was on it. "Renegade" featuring Eminem, who was nearing the apex of his colossal popularity and as a meticulous lyricist, he was never better during the three year period from 2000 to 2002. Of course, any fan of that genre of music now knows that The Blueprint went on to attain legendary status. Some even consider it to be Jay-Z's master work.

Also on my mind that day and in the healing months after was Jordan, who just the day before announced that he would be returning to pro basketball as a player (for the lowly Washington Wizards) after being retired for the past 3 years. With me being the biggest of MJ fans, I was totally enthralled and excited, even as questions of his potential effectiveness floated around the media and the general public. With him being 38-years old (ancient in pro sports), there was major questions and doubts that he'd be able to dominate the basketball court the way he had during 13 brilliant seasons for the Chicago Bulls. When news of the terrorist attacks filled television and newspapers the following day, Jordan decided to postpone his official press conference announcing his return for a couple weeks out of respect for the thousands of lives lost that day.

Of course, Jordan's rock star status in basketball gave the country a much needed diversion, even though he struggled often to play up to the glittering heights of his Bulls days. I was a kid in a candy store having him back in the game, and 9/11 felt less depressing (though still quite tragic) to me because of him.

Finally, the other MJ, the man I admired since the age of 5 dominated my September 11th thoughts too. The great Michael Jackson had given two concerts, one on Sept. 7 and the other on Sept. 10. Both were held, ironically in New York City, site of the most destructive attacks. He was celebrating 30 years as a solo artist with those concerts, which were not shown live, but were instead filmed for televised broadcast two months later. Jackson, 43 at the time was also just several weeks away from releasing his first album of all new material in 10 years, and my eagerness was heavy.

Invincible, Jackson's new LP was released on Oct. 30, 2001 while the nation was still shell-shocked with grief and disbelief. As a double delight to me, Jordan made his regular season debut that day as well...a double MJ return that prompted me to label that day "National Michael Day." Unfortunately, both MJ returns fell far below critical and fans' expectations. For me personally, I was just excited to have my heroes back in the saddle. The ethereal nature of both men's historic careers was unprecedented. And it's safe to say that their impact on sports, entertainment and culture will forever influence and inspire.

On an impossible day and during an impossible time, these men gave me and millions of people something rare in a time of evil.

A reason to smile.

Grammy Awards: Awesome, Sad and Interesting

CLEVELAND - I decided to watch the Grammy Awards start to finish for the first time in many years last night due to my interest in the show's planned Michael Jackson tribute. When it was all said and done, I felt highly entertained and hopelessly sad.

But it was certainly time well spent.

As always, I was delighted at the outrageous and high eccentricities of Lady Gaga. Her costumes are intricate creations which epitomize her singularity. Of course, the get-ups make many people label her a whack job, but I love the fact that she marches to the beat of her own drum.

Just like Pink, only far more out of the box.

Pink has been impressing me a lot for the past couple years. Last night, she performed a trademark hanging-from-the-ceiling routine while singing her songs...but since she was clad in what appeared to be strategically placed white belts all over her otherwise "nude" body, the visual was far more enticing to me. Especially as she hung dripping wet upside down.

The Black Eyed Peas performed two great songs that really caught my ear, which was enough to give me a new appreciation of another out of the box star, will.i.am. Fergie was awesome as well.

Taylor Swift, the delightful young megastar was a big winner also, something that has become something of a habit for the singing sensation. What I always enjoy most about Swift is her genuine enthusiasm and appreciation for winning awards. She's humble and very grounded...in spite of the huge success she's been having.

Beyonce was another enormous winner and her costumes were very enticing as always. She's another humble superstar and exudes a very likeable charm.

The anticipated Michael Jackson tribute went off flawlessly as several elite musicians took to the stage and performed his environmentally conscious "Earth Song" while recorded MJ vocals assisted them. Smokey Robinson, Usher, Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson and Carrie Underwood did an awesome job worthy of his iconic legacy. It was also grand seeing Lionel Richie announce the group and talk briefly of he and Michael's friendship. After the tribute, which featured an MJ short film broadcast in 3-D, his two oldest children took to the stage and accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award for him. Their words, so moving, mature and ultimately depressing earned a standing ovation and more than a few tears.

Especially from me.

I loved Bon Jovi performing as well as Green Day. Guitarist Slash tore it up as did Jamie Foxx and T-Pain in their "Blame it on the Alcohol" rendition. I also enjoyed a performance by the underappreciated Mary J. Blige.

In spite of major sound censoring, the evening's final performance was excellent. Eminem and Lil Wayne were joined onstage by Travis Barker for "Drop the World", then Drake for the hit "Forever." It was a rousing and tenacious effort that punctuated an evening filled with mixed emotions.

Maybe I'll watch next year too.

2000's In Review: My Favorite Albums

CLEVELAND - My taste in music has always been very diverse. From rap and hip-hop to country and pop, I love it all. So, with the end of the decade near, I am submitting a list of my favorite albums of the 2000's. But ironically, that list isn't very diverse at all.

It's almost all rap.

Don't let this list fool you. I am not one-sided like it will lead you to believe. It's just that I only buy rap albums, but I actually love individual songs of all genres. One day soon, I will start buying the entire albums of the eclectic blend of artists that I enjoy.

Here goes the list.

1. The Blueprint/Jay-Z, 2001: This album was such a huge deal to me, that when it was released on September 11, 2001, I practically ignored the horrific terrorist attacks on America. Instead, I focused heavily on getting this record, which to me is the best work of Jay-Z's career. Eschewing a typical rap album style, this opus showcased a remarkable soul and old-school flavor infused with twinges of modern pop and R&B. In the middle of it all was Jay-Z's incredible lyricism, all of which produced several stupendous tracks. His famous collab with Eminem on "Renegade" is present here, and helps to elevate this record to the upper echelon of the most classic hip-hop albums in history.
2. The Eminem Show/Eminem, 2002: Most critics place The Marshall Mathers LP as Eminem's best album, but this record to me was better. Released three weeks before summer 2002, The Eminem Show was Marshall's 3rd solo album and wowed me endlessly. His epic lyrical dexterity, coupled with his outrageous humor and wit made this a masterful effort. When it hit the shelves, I was amazed at how many young black men in urban neighborhoods had the CD booming through their car speakers. The surprise was in Eminem's pervasive appeal in spite of his race and often unconventional subject matter. Somehow, he crafted a superlative record that showcased a burgeoning legend at his maniacal best.
3. The Best of Both Worlds/Jay-Z & R.Kelly, 2002: Such a shame that this album never had a chance to flourish the way it should have. With the historic collaboration of the best rap artist on the planet and the best R&B artist on the planet, this album was beyond excellent. However, due to the child sex scandal of R. Kelly that surfaced at the same time as this album's release, The Best of Both Worlds was barely promoted. All music videos were canceled and Jay-Z began to distance himself from being associated with this masterpiece. Every single track was outstanding and the production was flawless. Jay-Z would later call the album "a wasted opportunity." I wholeheartedly agree.
4. The Marshall Mathers LP/Eminem, 2000: After his breathtaking debut the previous year, rap music's angriest and most vitriolic man returned better than ever. Eminem's brilliant sophomore effort was met with extensive critical acclaim, but also repudiation from America's conservatives. In any event, his rhymes were more intricate, precise and menacing. Dr. Dre's production was perfectly crafted and his beats fit Marshall's lyrics like a glove. Songs like "Stan" and "The Way I Am" gave Mathers a formidable reputation as a master lyricist. But the way he conveyed intense personal turmoil and channeled it into polished art was what really made the man an acclaimed genius.
5. Graduation/Kanye West, 2007: Each one of Kanye's first three albums could be considered his best. That's how good this guy is and he displays that brilliance in spades on Graduation. Nearly every song on here is single-worthy and practically was. For me personally, I get chills every time I hear "Can't Tell Me Nothin'" both because of its brazen honesty and sonic appeal. By now, West was flying high as an A-list record producer and hip-hop artist hyphenate and with good reason. Despite his seeming arrogance, the man is one of the most important figures in not just music today, but rap music history as well.
6. The Documentary/The Game, 2005: The first time I heard this rookie effort from The Game, I was instantly awestruck. It was obvious to me that the man is a pure student of hip-hop music and has studied the giants of the genre meticulously. What results on this record is absolute perfection in spite of Game's obsession with name dropping rap legends early and often. The man was able to craft a record so good, that he could legitimately say that he was better than his label superior at the time 50 Cent. Of course, the belligerent 50 would never have allowed that which is one reason why The Game hasn't been this good since then. 50 Cent sabotaged him. Even still, The Documentary is a smooth and delightful listen.
7. The Black Album/Jay-Z, 2003: By 2003, Jay-Z was considered a demigod in the world of rap music. With the release of The Black Album, that status was elevated even more. With Jay set to retire after its November 14th release, this record took on an even greater significance. But the bottom line is simple; this is a classic album from start to finish. Initially, I was unimpressed with the tracks which is nearly unthinkable now. But once I continued to listen closely, I was blown away. Amongst my favorite moments; "What More Can I Say?," "Moment of Clarity," "Threat," "PSA," and "1st Song." Jay-Z proved he was every bit as legendary as he told us he was on nearly every song. Thank God his retirement lasted just three years.
8. Get Rich or Die Tryin'/50 Cent, 2003: I had begun hearing murmurs in the summer of '02 about this mixtape hotshot named 50 Cent. After hearing him on the 8 Mile Soundtrack that autumn, I was unimpressed. The hype it seemed, was grossly overblown. Then came February 6, 2003 and I changed my tune quickly. I was living in a semi-rural area at the time and it was stunning to see long lines of country teens in FYE waiting to buy 50's debut record. When I copped it and took it home to listen, I was hooked. In spite of the sprawling 20 track playlist, this album was simply awesome. The cadence of his voice, his cockiness, his tales of street violence were all outstanding. I must admit that the song "Patiently Waiting" featuring Eminem was a major influence on why I loved the record. Now almost 7 years later, 50 Cent still hasn't approached the raw brilliance of his debut.
9. Chicken-N- Beer/Ludacris, 2003: What I loved instantly about Ludacris the first time I heard him was his enormous wit and sense of humor. This 2003 classic featured both of those attributes as well as a litany of excellent songs. From the rapid fire delivery of the record's intro and through hit songs such as "Splash Waterfalls" and "P-Poppin," this was the best album of Ludacris' decade long career. And let's not forgot the two hilarious tracks, "Hip Hop Quotables" and "Hoes In My Room." The latter features Snoop Dogg at his laid back lyrical and humorous best. Who could forget terms like "tupperware titties" and "booga bears?" Like I said. Classic.
10. Invincible/Michael Jackson, 2001: There may have been other albums that were better, but for me, Michael Jackson's return to recording after several long years away was an important moment. Not only was it a comeback of sorts, but the music itself was pure ecstasy. I love the self assuredness and palpable confidence that Michael displayed on the opening song "Unbreakable." The first half of the record was filled with first-rate lush ballads including my favorite "Heaven Can Wait" which I dedicated to my girl. The music video for "You Rock My World" sadly ended up being, for all intents and purposes, Jackson's final short film. The only reason I didn't rank this album higher is because the second half of it isn't nearly as awesome as the first half. It also suffers from what I feel was Michael's obsession to top his own un-toppable legacy. In any event, this record will always hold the distinction of being his final studio LP. That fact alone makes it a worthy addition to my favorite albums of this decade.
    

Jay-Z At 40: Celebrating His Impossible Reality

CLEVELAND - Jay-Z once rapped in a song: "difficult takes a day, impossible takes a week." Today, as the legendary hip-hop artist/tycoon turns 40 years of age, I think it's worth celebrating the man's obvious belief in those words. And that's why he is one of the greatest inspirations in history.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Carter.

Mr. Carter, as in Shawn Corey Carter (Jay-Z's birth name) is nothing short of amazing. Most talk nowadays by his naysayers and critics centers on his age, which is considered ancient in the young dumb and full of cum world of rap and hip-hop. But the truth is, Jay-Z has excelled so well at his craft, that it has become merely one of his considerable attributes as he's parlayed his prodigious prowess on the mic into a half billion dollar empire. In other words, no one in hip-hop even touches his legacy, nor his smooth command of the music. But man, these young dudes try to make their listeners think and believe that he's an antiquated relic, when in reality he's the best in the business.

Even at 40.

What amazes me about Jay-Z is how transcendent he is. The man was born into poverty in the oft-mentioned Marcy Housing Projects in NYC. Without the benefit of having his father around, he became a street kid turned drug dealer in the mid-1980's. A few years later, he turned his circumstances around and began building his lyrical legend in the early '90's. By the end of that decade, he'd become the hottest superstar in rap and the owner of his own record label.

Fast forward to right now and the man's story gets even more stunning. Married to super beauty Beyonce Knowles. Friends with the president of the United States. Owner of a successful clothing line. I'm in awe of Jay's crossover appeal; holding company with Oprah Winfrey and President Obama with an elegant and dignified flair, while "chillin" with LeBron James and Young Jeezy in all of his "hood nigga" turned executive posturing. As further proof of his adaptability, throughout his illustrious career, Jay has performed with such contrary music acts as Linkin Park and Bono, played smooth in duets with Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys then brought it hard and heavy in collaborations with the Notorious B.I.G., Kanye West and friend turned foe Beanie Sigel.

The king of versatility.

Though guys like 50 Cent have mocked Jay for being accepted into the upper crust society that embraces Oprah while trying to maintain a street edginess and credibility, I feel that Jay's success in doing that only expands his legend. Indeed, Jay has done what was actually nearly impossible; a poor black kid who turned to a life of drug dealing became a wealthy mogul with Madison Ave. appeal and a resonance across both impoverished and privileged communities.

At 40, that's the deck of cards Jay-Z is playing with. Who else can say that?

For Jay-Z, 'Blueprint 3' Is Evolutionary Brilliance

CLEVELAND - Talented people are not automatic geniuses and superstars don't always evolve into legends. For one Mr. Shawn Carter, he is the rare exception.

He is a legendary genius, and it continues to show in his work.

Carter, the 39-year old Brooklyn native known professionally as Jay-Z has released his 11th solo album The Blueprint 3 today, three days earlier than planned to lessen the impact of bootlegging the LP, which leaked online a week ago.

I can say with absolute certainty; this album is superb.

While Jay-Z's 2001 album The Blueprint is among the top albums of the decade and 2002's The Blueprint 2: The Gift and the Curse was a guest-laden, double CD offering that was very good, yet mildly disappointing, the new album showcases Jay as a brilliant lyricist, versatile and evolutionary. His formidable legacy looms large over this album (in spite of the litany of guests) and he deftly proves yet again why he's as great as he is.

Nowadays, it has sadly become popular to ridicule Jay-Z because of his age. Many lesser artists use this as their best defense mechanism since rap is typically a young man's game. But the truth is quite simple; Jay-Z has what no one else in the game has or for that matter, ever had. The man has a resume more expansive than anyone else in the 30-year history of hip-hop. No one has ever enjoyed such relevance for over a dozen years whilst doling out a gigantic catalog of mega hits, guest appearances and indelible lines. And let's not forget the millions upon millions of records sold and endless cache of awards.

And that's just the music.

Jay-Z is a superlative businessman and a tireless worker. He isn't simply a rapper that romanticizes his drug-dealing past and brags about his mega-wealthy present. There is a distinct sophistication in his music, especially the new joint. Jay-Z is an amalgam of hustler, executive and philosopher and merges the wisdom and pragmatism of such contemporaries as Talib Kweli and Common with the glittering commercialism of a Lil' Jon or a Soulja Boy -- just with a far more substantial lyrical dexterity.

Listening to The Blueprint 3, it becomes increasingly apparent that Jay studies everything. He takes hip-hop into unfamiliar and unconventional areas that work for him better than it works for anyone else. Case in point: on the much maligned "D.O.A.," he likens his music to that of iconic crooner Frank Sinatra. For a drug-dealer turned mogul, that is a huge leap but it fits because of his aura. Yes, the track has gotten plenty of flak (many call him an out-of-touch fuddy duddy), but he exudes a smooth elegance on this song that makes him equally believable as a Rat Pack-era star who shares commonality with Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. or a modern day hustler in the 'hood.

Another though that occurred to me as I listened to the album: Jay-Z has actually laid out his blueprint his entire career; hustle your way out of the environment you were born into, never let that place confine or define you, learn from what you see and experience and be smart enough to allow that hard knock life to inspire epic ambitions, of which many he's achieved. On the hit single "Run This Town," Kanye West (who produced much of the album) co-stars, and it was his understanding and acceptance of Jay's philosophy that took him from a Chicago suburb (obviously different circumstances from Jay's) to the top of the music industry as both artist and producer. West has excelled because he's followed Jay's blueprint.

"Empire State of Mind" showcases Jay as a diverse, global figure. He is clearly the most adaptable star in his genre's history and is a student of not just hip-hop and its pioneers, but also Hollywood, sports, politics and pop culture. Coupled with his vast intellect, that is precisely why he's so incredible and witty, not to mention full of substance.

"On to the Next One" has Jay's evolution front and center. He details his significance and prominence in the entire entertainment industry, matter-of-factly mentioning holding company with such icons as Michael Jackson and Oprah Winfrey as well as President Barack Obama. Theme of the song: he doesn't get bogged down by the status quo.

"Off That" is an interesting merger of young and experienced. Current Mr. popularity R&B/rapper Drake features on this track but it's Jay that dominates. He conveys a been-there-done-that vibe with this song, even doing so with grand hubris. Understand this: the inherent nature of hip-hop is flexing one's bravado and swagger, yet most do it without having accomplished anything. Jay actually explains why he's earned the right to do so.

I can't help but admire Jay-Z's excellent wordplay. On "Venus v.s. Mars," he deftly uses double entendres and puns to illustrate the subtle differences between he and his girl. Lines like "shorty like Pepsi, me I'm the "coke" man" are highly entertaining to anyone that actually "gets" it. I feel as though the song loosely represents the metaphorical differences between he and many of his supposed "competition."

My final analysis of The Blueprint 3 is simple. It is a great album and perhaps with time, a classic. Right now though, it is certainly a masterpiece and it stuns me that Jay can still be this good after 13 long years. No, it's not a typical Jay-Z album from his early years. But like he so eloquently states on the CD, "you want the old Jay, buy [his] old album." This is about evolution and improvement, and he's done both very well.

He's only added to his legacy as the best in history.

At 39, Jay-Z Remains The Best In Hip-Hop

CLEVELAND - Shawn Carter is without question one of the greatest artists in the history of hip-hop.

With the arrival of his 39th birthday, he remains the best of today's elite.

Carter, professionally known as Jay-Z has achieved a tremendous amount of success and wealth in the 12 years since his major label debut, 1996's Reasonable Doubt and is the man behind a truckload of hit singles over the past decade. With 12 albums (including two full LP collaborations with R. Kelly) and countless guest appearances on other artists' songs, Jay has been consistently successful for longer than anyone in the genre's history.

He hasn't lost his touch, either.

With the forthcoming Blueprint 3 album, the Brooklyn bred Jay continues his remarkable relevance. Though his lyrics these days tend to be less about frivolous spending and relentless debauchery and more about his mature take on all he's seen and done, Jay hasn't lost his considerable hubris on the mic. On a recent collaboration with Ludacris and Nas, he proclaims that "these other rappers couldn't wash [his] socks."

I second that emotion.

Lil' Wayne may get all of the attention as being the "best rapper" nowadays, but in reality he's simply "the hottest." With the great Eminem in a self-imposed sabbatical the past four years, Jay is not only peerless. The gap is enormous between him and his closest challenger. Wayne and T.I. are outstanding, Ludacris is brilliant and Kanye, when he wants to be is a phenom. But nobody is on Jay-Z's incomparable level.

Happy Birthday Mr. Carter.

Eminem Voted 'Best Rapper Alive' By Vibe Magazine

CLEVELAND - Eminem (nee Marshall Mathers) is my all-time favorite rap artist as well as the one I most relate to. His first CD was the first ever rap CD that I purchased. Recently, Vibe magazine voted him "the best rapper alive."

I'm not sure I agree.

Don't get me wrong, the guy is utterly brilliant at what he does. He continues to inspire me in my musical endeavors. My problem with this vote is more or less centered around the fact that he has been silent for nearly four years.

That's an eternity.

Sure, he released a greatest hits album in 2005 and a compilation in '06 entitled, The Re-Up, but his last solo set was 2004's Encore, which acted as sort of a sequel to the mega brilliant, 2002's The Eminem Show. All told, he has released just one album in the past six years.

Vibe's contest pitted some of the industry's greatest stars against each other and had a final four of Jay-Z, Lil' Wayne, Andre 3000 and Em himself. The votes were made by fans as the final two, Em and Jay went head-to-head.

A surprising landslide for Eminem: 69% to 31% for Jay. Me personally, I would have picked Jay-Z because he has released 12 albums in the past 12 years. Since Eminem's last album, the hip-hop mogul has released two albums in spite of being retired for half of the past four years.

Impressive.

I just hope that Eminem's expected forth coming CD puts him right back in the saddle. I love my man Jay-Z and I think his brilliance and consistency trumps Em's brilliance.

But I sure do miss Marshall.