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Life & Arts

Southern gentleman adding flavor to U.G.K. LP

Rap on Hip-Hop

Eli Jabbe and Dante Eglin

Eli Jabbe: The anticipation for U.G.K.'s upcoming LP, Underground Kingz, is continuing to grow, most recently fueled by the duo's collaboration with fellow Southern legends Outkast on the single "International Players Anthem." Kool G. Rap, Marley Marl and Big Daddy Kane already joined forces with the two on another track from the album and the Outkast appearance can only help keep UP the momentum

Dante Eglin: The album also has a track called "Real Women," featuring Talib Kweli and Raheem DeVaughn. It appears that the two are attempting to bridge the gap between fans, fusing the interests of the elitists with those of the less-sophisticated buying class. When you've been in the game for nearly 20 years, your fan base becomes quite diverse, and the double disc approach they've taken may alleviate the issue.

Jabbe: It's only right that they touch on more mature topics because of their longevity in the genre. At the same time, they still have a commitment to churning out riding songs that stay true to the trill motto they've followed.

Eglin: Speaking of following something religiously, The Game has added another name to his hit list, this time attempting to plant his Hurricanes on the street cred of the Talk of New York, G-Unit executive entourage leader Tony Yayo. About two weeks ago, Yayo was arrested in connection with an attack on James Rosemond, the 14 -year-old son of Czar Entertainment chief Jimmy "Henchman" Rosemond. Czar Entertainment manages The Game, so it was only fitting in his eyes to retaliate on wax for the physical confrontation.

Jabbe: At this point, Game dissing someone shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. It's funny how he always has an opinion on someone else every month and is now taking shots at Young Jeezy, who he was just praising recently on his latest album, Doctor's Advocate. I don't think he's cowering or scared of any potential ad-lib retaliation track from The Snowman.

Eglin: So far, Jayceon has executed the Shakur blueprint down to perfection. Switch the style up and evolve into the quintessential thug with the unlimited magazine and limited supply of t-shirts? Check. Attempt to diss every potential enemy possible, not excluding children, relatives, video vixens and homeless people? Check. The only thing missing from his repertoire is the glaring hypocrisy, though he has made an impressive start towards the goal with his incessant apologies to recipients of his diss tracks. The kid's got potential but he's still got an album or two until he reaches his Makavelli martyr status.

Jabbe: Seems he learned pretty well from 50 to diss someone in close proximity to an album release date. I guess it's just a coincidence that he took shots at Yayo's fellow G-Unit label mate Young Buck, who just happens to have an album that released last week.

Eglin: Purely coincidence. What, do you think rap beefs are fake or something?

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