The Way That I Love You

R&B's Ashanti is no stranger to drama. Since debuting with her first single, "Foolish" in 2002 she's been linked romantically from the likes of her her boss, Irv Gotti to having a publicly clandestine relationship(if there is such a thing) with rapper Nelly, and in recent interviews both Ja Rule and Irv Gotti express their thoughts that the former Princess of the Inc. did not maintain loyalty when the label suffered hard times.

With a past infused with drama, it's no surprise Ashanti's latest music video, "The Way That I Love You", draws off a plot of deception, devastation and vengeance by a scorned woman. What makes the video stand out is certainly not the concept which has been done before (think "Ring the Alarm" without Beyoncé and incessant sirens in the background), but Ashanti's vocals on this song. Irv Gotti has criticized Ashanti's decision to work with mainly producers outside The Inc. but if this song is any preview of what's to come I wanted to hear more.

Does the woman scorned by a no good man story every get old? Some would say yes, but it sure makes for one hell of a song. Painfully singing about the love of her life who she has been faithful to stepping out on their relationship Ashanti masters a common topic with authenticity. In an industry littered with pretty young things Ashanti steps it up a notch and knocks on maturity's door. The singer always did have a tolerable smooth voice, but her vocals really stand out on this track. With so much passion on this song you definitely know they're singing from personal experience.

Ashanti's album The Declaration is scheduled to be released June 3rd.

What's My Name?

Unfiltered ignorance. While we are in the midst of seeing history coming alive before our eyes where a black man has ran a successful political campaign in hopes of capturing the Democratic nomination, one of hip hop's "fallen" rappers, DMX has no idea he was running for president!

In a recent interview with XXL magazine, the rapper who saw popularity with his rugged sound and trademark barking in the late 90s/ early '00s admits not only is he not following the presidential race - but that he had no idea black man was running! It may come of no surprise as we know DMX has been battling the demons of drug abuse and legal troubles, but come on! I guess we can guess DMX won't be casting a vote come Election Day.

Here is an excerpt from the interview.

XXL: Are you following the presidential race?
DMX: Not at all.

XXL: You’re not? You know there’s a Black guy running, Barack Obama and then there’s Hillary Clinton.
DMX: His name is Barack?!

XXL: Barack Obama, yeah.
DMX: Barack?!

XXL: Barack.
DMX: What the fuck is a Barack?! Barack Obama. Where he from, Africa?

XXL: Yeah, his dad is from Kenya.
DMX: Barack Obama?

XXL: Yeah.
DMX: What the fuck?! That ain’t no fuckin’ name, yo. That ain’t that nigga’s name. You can’t be serious. Barack Obama. Get the fuck outta here.

XXL: You’re telling me you haven’t heard about him before.
DMX: I ain’t really paying much attention.

XXL: I mean, it’s pretty big if a Black…
DMX: Wow, Barack! The nigga’s name is Barack. Barack? Nigga named Barack Obama. What the fuck, man?! Is he serious? That ain’t his fuckin’ name. Ima tell this nigga when I see him, “Stop that bullshit. Stop that bullshit” [laughs] “That ain’t your fuckin’ name.” Your momma ain’t name you no damn Barack.


You don't have to "follow" the elections to know who is running, it's all over the place! At this time in the country so many important issues need to be considered, everyone should be following the elections and the candidates in some way. I just feel it's a shame that someone who is still somewhat influential in the public eye had the platform to speak out about politics(something most people rarely associate with hip hop) and he was more concerned at poking fun at Senator Barack's name than at least giving the man credit. (Sigh)
Well here's a DMX throwback video, "What's my Name" when he was still relevant and at least still making some sense.

FADER PAINTS A PICTURE OF AFRICA

The always innovative, exploitive, and culture-friendly magazine, Fader presents it's #52 Africa The Africa Issue--A Look At African Music And Culture Across The Planet. While most music magazines ignore the influence of the music industry of Africa, this issue which features international African artist Esau Mwamwaya and BLK JKS a group who hails from South Africa and has unique afropunk metal music style. In the issue you'll also find news of other artists making their mark on the music scene on the continent.