The holiday season is here party people! This week turkey sandwiches, football blowouts and pissed off Natives. Next month, maxed out credit cards and after holiday sales at Macy’s (holla). Even if your enlightened and hate what the days REALLY stand for, make sure you take time out and be thankful for the good things you have in your life. Pause for a minute this week and thank God for waking you up today at least and giving us all a few days off! If you have to work this weekend, thank God for overtime, Xmas is around the corner.

I know I have tons to be thankful for this year. My regular readers out there know how much drama I’ve been through. As the new year approaches, I’m ready to set it off in a major way and show the West Coast how The Tennessee Hustler, NY Transplant does it!

Can you believe that my Canhead Records blog turned one year old yesterday!?! My site that started out as a way to kill time and post my rants, reviews, flashbacks of my previous musical life, experimental music tracks and New York notes, has evolved into…well, it kind of stayed the same. Just like it’s owner, Canhead didn’t change a cottdamn thing! If anything, the blog improved and refined some old habits. I was surprised by the results and reactions, and continued posting on my new journal/web magazine/favorites bookmark folder/mp3 dump. Soon the numbers started showing a increase in visitors. I re-discovered my love of writing and the old high school newspaper editor in me was awakened.

I found several blogs that I looked to for writing inspiration such as hiphopmusic.com(now playing Amadou & Mariam) , Hiphopblogs.com, Pro Hip-hop.com, Pyramids to the Projects, TofuHut.com, and a little site called Blogcritics.org. I began submitting some of my articles to them, trying to sharpen my sword and build my confidence in writing. Blogcritics.org was extremely helpful and I found myself reviewing artists releases. Celebrity interviews were soon included, favorites list were noted down, blog writers were emailed introduction letters and some remain in touch, premier and concert tickets were mailed cross country and I found myself back in the mix….almost.

Then the real world came crashing in as my personal life turned ugly for a minute. After I re-adjusted and re-located, the site continued to be anchor in a very turbulent period for me. Slowly, things began to stabilize in my personal world, and the blog continued to grow. Now in Los Angeles, I began to take Canhead very seriously and reached out to others who had a similar vision. Now, as the blog hits it’s first year, it’s faced with it’s next growth spurt….the relocation, renaming and re-launching of a bigger, better and deffer Canhead.

That’s right folk, if everything goes according to plan, Canhead will cease to exist in this present form. I plan on writing more for Live Streams LA.com and focusing on the big streaming picture, as well as stepping up the freelance journalism game. Plus, I am dying to set this site off the way it should be. I mean, Blogger.com is ok, but it’s far from the real deal. You all have been here for a full year reading my bs(blog story), you deserve the best site you can get.

You will still find all kinds of funky fresh, liberal, intelligent and stupid dope manuvas here! I’ll keep hitting youz up with the usual mp3 or two, weblinks, event announcements, nekid girlie pictures and political conspiracy theory propaganda that you can handle….if your still feeling me. Basically, change is coming. Stay tuned!!

So yeah, that’s it. Happy Thanksgiving…Happy Birthday to the Canhead Records blog….and a Happy Festivus for the rest of us. Have some cake, be careful with the punch, it’s spiked and not with the weak stuff either! It’s a celebration bitches, enjoy yourself!

Here are a few of the pages that seem to get the most repeat hits at the site and some others that I thought were really, really good. I have some real posts that I’m working on for you so stay tuned.

I’ll holla!

“You Really Got A Hold Of Me” right dad?

CD Review: Kotton Mouth Kings

Shock Jocks…They All Sound The Same To Me

Still tippin on four fours

Stereo Synthesis Selections

Sway & King Tech presents Back 2 Basics CD\DVD Review

Frank Costanza: Many Christmases ago, I went to buy a doll for my son. I reached for the last one they had, but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way.
Cosmo Kramer: What happened to the doll?
Frank Costanza: It was destroyed. But out of that a new holiday was born . . . a Festivus for the rest of us!
Cosmo Kramer: That must’ve been some kind of doll.
Frank Costanza: She was.

The line stretched clear down the block Sunday night, as some of Los Angeles’ hip-hop faithful and top notch emcees waited for the show to begin. Deep downtown, the jump-off was about to jump off at The Grand. DJ Muggs vs. GZA “Grandmasters” album release party was underway, and hundreds of hip-hop heads were on line early, ready to hear the Wu Gambino and the Soul Assassin do their thing. Also scheduled to rock the house that night were Swollen Members, I Self Devine, and a handful of emcees and surprise guest. As the security barked at the line and cleared the sidewalk, I walked up to the door, greeted by the low rumble of the Swollen Members tour bus that was parked next to the club. After meeting with the Live Streams LA.com crew, I stepped into the arena, ready for a night of hip-hop heavyweights.

DJ Muggs and GZA have been on the grind promoting this new CD. The two have been on the road, hitting Washington, Colorado and ripping shows from San Fran to San Diego. This was my third time seeing the show, but it was clearly the hottest performance of the tour. The shows at The Knitting Factory’s were tight, but the size of crowd at The Grand was one of the most impressive turn outs that I’ve seen. The place was packed, and all the emcees that took the stage that night had one of the best crowds they could ask for. The Chinky Eyed event was about to jump off!

Between running back and forth with the LSLA crew, trying to catch interviews, I managed to catch most of the show. Dumbfounded, The Crux (with the ill mariachi band intro killing it!!) , L.O.R.D., and various members of Project Blowed hit the stage and ripped shit, getting everyone ready for the main act. No doubt about it, this was a hip-hop crowd! Looking down from the balcony, I saw a few cats break into windmills and backspins and thought LSLA mastermind Steve M was about to get busy with the pop locks!

When Swollen Members was about to hit the stage, they went nuts, screaming “Swollen…swollen….swollen” until the Canadian mic barbarians stepped up. SM blessed the crowd with their hits and brought the movement to Los Angeles. Phil Da Agony and Planet Asia took the stage with them as well and the set was a good look for the Battle Axe representatives.

The headliners shook the building, as the “Grandmasters” song intro welcomed DJ Muggs and GZA to the Grand stage. Dreddy Kruger and Just Allah worked their magic and ran through several of GZA’s hits and cuts off the new album. Wu fans were in the spot as usual, throwing up their W’s and reciting lyrics from some of GZA’s classic darts. GZA finally closed the show and hung around onstage, showing love to the crowd, shaking hands, and reaching out to the people for a minute before hit bounced.

All in all, it was a great night for hip-hop in Los Angeles. The spirit of the “Unity” parties was definitely in the house, as everyone was showing love and paying respect to Bigga B and entire Unity crew. Is it possible that we may see Unity parties in LA again in 2006? You’ll have to stay tuned for that, to see catch some highlights from the night, make sure you check out the videos!

Peace to everyone who came out and made it one hell of a night. Shouts to Swezz for another top notch event, and Fatty for the Subway Scooby Snacks!

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/chinkyeyedfridays

I logged on to this chess site to brush off some of my old moves and found this..

‘Chess is so crazy, I could do a whole album on chess’17.11.2005 What happens when you take one of the greatest rappers, and put him in a recording studio with a producer and a chessboard? The album “Muggs Vs. GZA: Grandmasters”, that’s what. It’s a groundbreaking CD that blends Hip Hop and chess. Interview with GZA and a fascinating video.

Rap is outta control! Hip-hop videos on the front page of a chess geek website. That’s whats up.

See you at the show and holla at a scholar if you hear me!

Its going down this weekend! Click on the top flyer to buy tickets NOW!!!

Fix your face cuz the cameras will be on!

Ladies and Gentleman…I present to you the Purple Ribbon All-Stars “Kryptonite” Un-Edited Super Hero Remix!

Click on the picture to go to the MegaUpload page, wait about 45 seconds, then hit “Click here to download” button.

Kryptonite (Dirty Version) Video

Enjoy! More to come soon!

~Slang Editorial
It’s out there, somewhere in the internet’s deepest nook and crannies, the mutant virus waits, disoriented, hungry and exhausted. As the chat rooms and email groups buzz their dizzying extended log on entries, our hero waits for the real street news crisis to begin. I’m not sure if any of us will ever be the same again after the new style fly viruses are airborne. To be clear, the old guard is moving his cyber tent, yet again. Soon the world will bear witness to his telekinetic power and strength. For now, our hero searches on, looking for the perfect link to post before the rival crews lay hand to them and murk up their shine!

~In The News

No Sleep Til Brooklyn
http://nydailynews.com/11-13-2005/front/v-echo/story/365129p-310879c.html

New virus uses Sony BMG software
http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/internet/11/10/sony.hack.reut/index.html

More Giants fans claim racial profiling
http://nydailynews.com/11-12-2005/front/v-echo/story/364885p-310664c.html

The Biggest Brand In Southern Streets Goes Visual
http://www.netweed.com/hiphoppress/2005/11/biggest-brand-in-southern-streets-goes.html

Warner Music Turns to Web
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/10/AR2005111002007.html?referrer=email

REPOST-Damian Marley f. Nas-Road To Zion audio page

Movie trailers and websites

The Fountain movie website

Fearless movie website- New movie with Jet Li, based on Huo Yuan-Jia

Bee Season website and movie review by Manhola Dargis at the NY Times.

Derailed trailer and movie review, also by Manhola Dargis at NY Times.

Edison movie website. The movie stars Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey, Justin Tmberlake and LL Cool J.

Get Rich Or Die Trying website and review by Carrie Rickey at Philadelphia Inquirer

King Kong movie website with trailer

Final Destination 3 movie clip QuickTime movie clip

Player’s Ball

Chrebet expected to retire soon, report says

Owens lacking class (Dan Abrams) at MSNBC

“Saturday’s Snapshots” as seen at USAToday.com

Panthers win sixth straight- AP article at Sports Illustrated.com

U-M: Bring on Buckeyes- by Angelique S. Chengelis for The Detroit News

~RRG Picks of the week

“The Boondocks” television series has come out the gate swinging. The show is already taking shots from haters and PC hypocrite types nationwide. I can’t wait to see what Huey(Regina King?) says next! You can download the first episode here, but you didn’t hear that from me!

BC picks
Some of the articles I thought were of note, here at Blogcritis.org!

Book Review: Make It Happen: The Hip-Hop Generation Guide To Success by Kevin Liles with Samantha Marshall
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/11/12/223333.php

Movie Review: Get Rich or Die Tryin’
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/11/11/215019.php

Many Thousand Gangstas Gone
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/11/13/131034.php

Holiday Movie Season Preview
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/10/26/024212.php

~Webslingin’

I found this link (MySpace Stupid Haircut Awards) at this other link (Kid Sis In Hollywood). I’ll have to finish my worst music on MySpace page soon!

Arnold Schwarzenegger playing Halo2?
http://www.liquidgeneration.com/content/a55hat.aspx?cid=1657

Make sure you check out LiveStreamsLA.com for video footage from the Remix Hotel After party at the Avalon. Dennis chops it up with DJ Rocky Rock and Tak of Styles Of Beyond/Demigodz/Fort Minor!

More clips are on the way, big shouts to everyone at Mackie and all who showed us love at the Remix Hotel!

Here are some more songs, old and new,that are on heavy rotation at the Canhead compound.

Akon-Can You Believe It

They Don’t Know-Paul Wall ft. Mike Jones & Bun B-video- Windows Media Real Player

Notorious BIG - Spit Your Game feat. Twista & Bone Thugs N HarmonyWindows Media Medium Real Medium

King Kong- Self Scientific w/ Bun B & General Principles-GZA & DJ Muggs

The Offical-Jaylib

Leanin’-Boneface Windows Media-Real Player

Damian Marley ft Nas - Road To Zion [Welcome to Jamrock]

Field Mob w/ Ludacris-”Georgia” Windows Media High

If you don’t know about the “chopped and screwed” phenomenon that has taken over some sectors of the hip-hop world, you’re in for a psychedelic preview. Sex, drugs and rock and roll has mutated in the rap world with the emergence of the “Screwed up” sounds of the south. While this murky mixing style lay in it’s narcotic origins, the sound has crossed the black market and landed in the laps of corporate America with amazing results.

Trying to detail the history of the “screwed” sound is a thick, trippy experience. About 15 years ago, DJ Screw, a Texas DJ stumbled across a style of mixing that incorporated super slowed vocals, quick edit chops, cuts and scratches. The sound fit perfectly with the new drug of choice, a liquid tranquilizer concoction with Promethazine, nicknamed “syrup”, “oil”, and “lean”. It gave it’s users an altered reality where sounds and movements are slowed down. It seems that many in the south felt like Huey Lewis did, and not only wanted a new drug, they had seemingly invented their own.

It didn’t take long for the drug, sound and accompanying Dixie cups to travel all over Texas and adjoining southern states. Soon rival DJs began composing slowed down mix tapes, all with the Screwed up sound. Many local emcees like Mike Jones, Lil Flip, Paul Wall and Slimm Thugg, found their way to fame by being featured on “screw” tapes made by either DJ Screw or Michael Watts. It wasn’t long before the sound was the hottest thing in hip-hop music. Ironically, DJ Screw, the founder of the sound was the first casualty of the narcotic brew. It is said that his untimely death was the result of years of abusing Promethazine. His passing may have hurt his family, close friends and business associates, but it also made him a martyr of sorts. It was because of him that several people were able gain national attention and million dollar record deals. The “screwed up” sound lives on and looks to get bigger and bigger every day.
One of the best selling CDs to feature a full “chopped and screwed” remix and release is Lil Jon & The Eastside Boys “Crunk Juice” . Once you pop the CD in the deck, you are immediacy greeted with Lil Jon’s patented voice, slowed to the point that his recognizable yell is replaced with a low toned, from the gut growl. The world famous screw tape maker, DJ Michael “5000” Watts does his thing, chopping and mixing the ATL producer’s CD with perfection.

The CD takes a entirely new feel that may not sit well with newcomers. Usher’s silky smooth voice on “Lovers and Friends” is transformed into a deep, murky baritone. It will be a hard pill to swallow for rookies or crunk haters. Fans of the sound will be thrilled to hear the ESB trill-ness screwed up. Although it may be an acquired taste for some, others will hear this CD and hazily reminisce on the good days when DJ Screw was the man supplying the lean fiends with a soundtrack to the streets. You do not have to be high to enjoy the CD. The music is so dope that listening to it alone might give you a contact high.

Final verdict-Lil Jon & The East Side Boys-Crunk Juice Chopped & Screwed=Dope in a Dixie Cup! Raise your crunk juice cups and toast the memory of a hip-hop innovator, DJ Screw, RIP!

Related links

Bone Thugs and Harmony are set to release a new CD, “Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Greatest Hits” chopped up by DJ Michael “5000” Watts on November 15th. Get a taste of the crunkness by clicking the links below.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony E-Card

“First of the Month” audio links
WINDOWS MEDIA
REAL

“Notorious Thugs” audio links
WINDOWS
REAL

Wattsrec.com

DJ Screw VH-1 Bio

Lil Jon Is Syrup Sippin’ As “Crunk Juice” Gets Chopped & Screwed

Video Still Tippin’ (Chopped Screwed… Mike Jone

Launch “Chopped and Screwed search results

~Slang Editorial ~What’s good party people? Lots of news on the streets this week, as everyone seemed to have something jumping off. The real world has been on one as well, as the news has more drama than your momma’s soaps, with less hope. No matter what, you can count on Uncle Q to come thru with the word on the street. Let’s get it started like Fergie’s lady humps.

My lovely lady humps are really, really good! My armpits, however, are really really funky!

In The News

France is burning! I don’t know which is worse, the madness going on in France or the fact that it has been going on for over ten days and just heard about it on Saturday. I watch the news with one eye as I’m always online, but I don’t recall hearing or seeing this anywhere nine or ten days ago. Is it just me? (Shouts to InnerVision for the first blog post about the riots that
I saw)
Chirac vows action as riots spread

Riot police hurt as France vows order will be restored

French rioters injure, shoot at police

~Archaeologists Unveil Ancient Church Site

~Denver votes to legalize marijuana

~The Word On The Street

The West Coast hip-hop legends Daz & Kurupt are back with a new album “Dillinger
&Young Gotti II: Tha Saga Continuez”. The album is in stores now, but if you want to hear a little of the new heat, listen to the cut “DPGC Muzik, here (WMP) and here (Real)

~50 Cent Disagrees With Kanye West about the George Bush doesn’t like black
people comment.

~ Check out the new Pitbull single featuring Pretty Ricky, called “Everybody
Get Up”, off his upcoming album “Money Is Still A Major Issue”.

QT lo

http://www.pitbullmusic.com/promotions/link.jsp?link=01329

QT hi

http://www.pitbullmusic.com/promotions/link.jsp?link=01328

WM lo

http://www.pitbullmusic.com/promotions/link.jsp?link=01327

WM hi

http://www.pitbullmusic.com/promotions/link.jsp?link=01326

A few post back, I mentioned that legendary group, The Band, released a box set of their greatest hits, entitled “A Musical History”. I thought I would get the box set to review. What I got instead was a single disc compilation of the box set. I mean, I’m not complaining, it’s just that I really don’t know much about the group, and trying to get a full history lesson in one disc is damn near impossible. On top of the fact that I know 5 CDs are in the collection in all.

Regardless, the CD I got has some of The Band’s best work from the early Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks and the timeless “Who Do You Love”, to the later Hawkins-less Band. Only one Bob Dylan cut, “Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window” is here, but I imagine the box set has much more. Songs like the funky “Life Is A Carnival”, “Move Me”, with it’s R&B influences clearly shining through, the ready for hip-hop intro drums of “Baby Don’t You Do It”, and the striking farmer’s ode “King Harvest (Has Surely Come)” make up for the single CD.

This one makes a great Christmas gift for the musically educated people on yourlist this year. If you have a hard time thinking of someone who would appreciate this one, send me an email, and we’ll find out a worthy recipient!

~Winter Heaters—Here’s a few of the songs, old and new, warming up the WMPs and IPods
nationwide.

1. Reboot-Notes From The Next Generation compilation CD

2. The Fugees-Take It Easy

3.Kanye West & Lupe Fiasco-Touch The Sky

4.Happy Hour- Jazzy Pha & Cee-Lo

5.Kryptonite-Purple Ribbon Label All Stars

6.Lovin’ It- Little Brother or Real file

7.WMP: T-Pain - “I’m Sprung” ( WMP Lo) also at Vibe

8.IAM feat. Prodigal Sunn- “La Saga”

9.Busta Rhymes-”Touch It”

10.Just-Ice-”Cold Getting Dumb”

~ That’s it for now. Stay tuned for more bang, bang, boogie for your Blogcritic bucks here at RRG!