Pusha T's Keys Keep Opening New Doors

Before Pusha-T's first solo album drops on Black Friday, he is first planning to [re]bless the world later this month with Fear of God 2, a slight tweak of the three-month-old original version that is still getting heavy spin in the streets and on the Web alike.

With tons of positive feedback from the fans, critical acclaim from varying media outlets of note, a fledgling acting career, and, most importantly, a Kanye co-sign, the artist formerly known as Terrar is poised for a debut that could for the first time in a long while unite rap purists and champions of the so-called underground -- who appreciate Pusha for his ability to kick effective flows with serious wordplay and vocabulary regardless of genre or subject matter -- with its formidable hip-pop and down south trap rap counterparts -- who tend to favor swagger over substance. Lucky for everybody, Pusha exudes all of these characteristics, and then some.

And although Malice -- who is no slouch on the mic -- may add depth and introspect where his younger brother favors a flashier style of rhyming, Pusha has been for a long time widely regarded as the better rapper of the two.

Usually when it comes to most if not all rap groups, one or even each of the group's rappers will eventually go solo. But for the Clipse, who have been a professional rap duo since they signed to Elektra around 1996 (their would-be first album ultimately got shelved by the label, only to be re-issued by Star Trak 11 years later), it took 15 years for Pusha to go solo. (Pusha vows there will be another Clipse album.)

What was the hold up? The streets wanted it, and it was the streets who helped Lord Willin' sell more than a million copies. Why not give the streets what they wanted; especially since street life comprised such a large portion of their material?

To Pharrell's credit, Pusha was featured on plenty of other artists' music, including and especially Justin Timberlake's Like I Love You, which was a platinum single on a multi-platinum album that for sure added an extra zero to the Clipse's bank accounts.

And every verse that Pusha to soloist spit on a feature was lyrically and rhyme-wise nothing short of flawless.

And with Chad and Pharrell liberally rewarding their childhood friends with record contracts, people wanted to know where Pusha's solo deal was.

Then along came the 2010 VMAs and out of nowhere Pusha pops up sporting a Miami Vice-inspired salmon-colored blazer, kicking his verse from Kanye's Runaway, delivering a lyrical ultimatum to any female who thinks they can do better without him: "Split and go where? Back to wearing knock-offs? Ha! Knock it off," before offering a friendly reminder, "Every bag, every blouse, every bracelet/ Comes with a price tag, baby, face it."

But don't think just because of Pusha's new found association with Mr. West that he lost any of his edge, as demonstrated on the aforementioned Fear of God mixtape -- specifically whenever he returns to his comfort zone that is his penchant for seemingly endless cocaine metaphors: "Got me looking at the crown from a bird's eye view/ 'Cause I hit the ground running from the birds I flew," and, "They say I talked coke for nine years long/ that means my rap sheet is more than nine years strong/ you niggas woulda thought that I was nine years gone/ but I'm still in the mix like nine ounces and a straw."

However, with celebration comes cynicism, and, in a classic case of the crabs in a barrel syndrome, Pusha's G.O.O.D. Music label mate and rap veteran Consequence has unfortunately taken umbrage at Pusha's position as the next rapper on the label scheduled to release an album.

It will be interesting to see how the working relationship between Pusha and Pharrell evolves, seeing as Pharrell has bit of a pattern of longtime collaborators seemingly eager to work with producers other than the Neptunes -- Kelis, Usher, Robin Thicke, Justin Timberlake, to name a few.

Ryan Leslie Solo Rap Album Coming Soon

Random news outlets are reporting that Ryan Leslie's upcoming album -- titled Les is More -- will be a Hiphop opus, an unexpected switch of genre from a singer who has cultivated a cult-like following from a successful career writing, singing and producing pop and R&B music.

Ryan Leslie has always been a fan and an active participant in both singing and rapping, and after being labeled a child prodigy and achieving a perfect score on his SATs, he attended and graduated from Harvard with a degree in Government -- all before he was 20 years old.

That's just a bit of background information to help put Leslie's rhyming endeavor in a bit of a better context. Because this guy is talented beyond belief, and, much like Pharrell, his vast range as a producer and songwriter is enough of a reason for me to give this album a serious listen.

But after listening to him sing years' worth of songs about his prowess with women, the new experience of hearing him spit a bunch of verses is surprisingly a let down. After all, he's had success with his rhyming on his own songs in the past. And his subject matter remains primarily the same as before -- women.

So what's different?

Well, it's one thing for a singer to kick an occasional hot 16 on one of his or her songs. But it's a completely different thing for that format to be reversed, with a singer rapping three verses while only singing on the hook -- on each and every track.

Maybe it's because of my dedication to Hiphop that I have such a hard time accepting a career R&B singer crossing over to make a rap album. Of course, this has been done before. But never by an artist whom I have such a great level of musical respect for.

And so I'm torn.

Hopefully, since the album is Hiphop in nature, it's more You Be Killin Em and less of the slower tracks. But hey, I guess since "Les is More," the jury will be out until I can hear the final product.

Until then, here are a couple of new songs from his album that is scheduled to be released on July 4, 2011:



Joan of Arc

Hiphop Remains Mostly Mum on Japan Tsunami

With such an exorbitant amount of revenue being generated from Hiphop music, and especially with rappers now earning more than they ever have, I find it pretty surprising that Hiphoppers as a group haven't done more to come to Japan's aid in the wake of this month's tsunami.

Apparently Linkin Park has a new song available for download with proceeds going to a relief fund, but what about real and actual rappers? Where are they during this time of need?

Let's start with Pharrell, who has made a ton of money with the help of Japanese designer and musician Nigo and his rap group the Teriyaki Boyz, even going so far as to open a clothing store in Tokyo (full of attire designed by Nigo) before helping Nigo open up his own stores in New York City and Los Angeles (now closed) for his Bape/Bathing Ape brand.

To date, the most Pharrell has done is issue through one of his Web sites a brief statement that lets readers know he is "devastated" before wishing Japan the best of luck, or "God's speed," as he put it. That's a pretty weak move considering all the money his clothing lines -- designed by Nigo -- have made from Japanese support.

Not to be outdone, 50 Cent tweeted some insensitive jokes in the hours after news broke about the tsunami before begrudgingly apologizing. However, Vitamin Water money notwithstanding, 50 has yet to make a donation that is not in the form of cruel humor.

Ironically, Nicki Minaj (who calls herself the Harajuku Barbie, a reference to the Tokyo neighborhood of the same name known for its outrageous and colorful style and fashion) is participating in a digital album being released by Universal Music Group to raise funds for the victims of the tsunami. While Universal is home to a long list of rappers, none besides Nicki have been confirmed for the album.

Pete Rock and DJ Premier were just touring Japan this past summer, and DJ Spinna regularly deejays there, but still there has been no indication that any of the turntablists/producers are doing anything to give back to the country that supports them by inviting them to perform.

It is possible that the above mentioned artists (and more) have indeed done more than talk about it, but it would be nice to confirm that the Hiphop artists who we have all helped get filthy rich do indeed care about their Japanese fans enough to make a sizeable donation for earthquake/tsunami relief and aid.

Sandra Bullock gave a full million dollars, which obviously goes above and beyond the call of duty, but it also shows that these donations (which are tax write-offs, another incentive for the wealthy) are but a small percentage of these celebrities’ wealth.

It’s’ only natural that a number of Asian celebrities are doing their part.

Lady Gaga has gone the creative route, designing bracelets and selling them on her Web site to raise money for the victims, already tallying $1.5 million.

Ne-Yo performed in Japan after the tsunami hit, meeting with fans. While it is assumed the concert proceeds went to support the victims, all Ne-Yo said for sure that he was doing was spreading love through music, which is still admirable because at the very least it helps keep the spirits up of those who were in attendance.

Hell, teenager Demi Lovato (who I know for sure has less money than Dr. Dre, Eminem and Jay-Z – who, coincidentally,have all done nothing to help) has given $1 million.

Speaking of Jiggaman -- also known as the man who once rapped “I put dollars on mine, ask Columbine, when the twin towers fell I was the first in line” -- he has been conspicuously absent from the conversation of what celebrities have done in the wake of this disaster.

Jay-Z, the man who Forbes magazine last August crowned as “Hip-Hop’s Cash King,” earned $63 million in the previous 12 months. Yet, Jay still has yet to make any type of donation to Japan.

Diddy, who is arguably the most financially secure of all Hiphop-related artists, at least took to Twitter to express himself and his concerns for Japan, imploring his fans and followers to send text messages to the Red Cross, which will help generate funds for relief.

But Jay, who isn’t on Twitter, didn’t even issue a statement or anything that would lead us to believe he has an ounce of concern for the tsunami victims.

NaS is experiencing some financial hardships right now, so I will give him a pass for not helping. But again, a simple statement or open letter to a media outlet could inspire his fans to do something. You wonder why more influential, popular rappers don’t do the same.

These are but a small sampling of rappers and Hiphoppers who could and should be doing more to support our fellow humans during this time of hardship. We say 911 is a joke but then we turn around and don’t do anything to help expedite emergency aid to those who are in immediate need it help. Ironic, to say the least.

Japan has been doing for years now more for Hiphop than most Americans do for it, helping to keep all four elements alive through still actively practicing deejaying with vinyl and breakdancing/b-boying. We already know that Japan has always been on the forefront when it comes to art and specifically their genre of Anime, but they are active participants in the graffiti culture, as well, a phenomenon that isn’t as celebrated as the other three elements.

Considering all the Japanese people have done to help keep Hiphop alive, it’s ironic that we Hiphoppers aren’t doing more to help keep the Japanese alive. Literally.

Japan's faithfulness to Hiphop culture has never been questioned. It's a shame the opposite isn't also true and the favor is not being returned.

Pharrell's "I'm a PC" Commercial

N*E*R*D Shoots Video for Remix to Everyone Nose

MTV.com recently reported on N*E*R*D's filming of a video for the Everyone Nose CRS remix -- featuring Kanye, Lupe and Pusha -- a very hot track that deserves some recognition beyond the blogs and Internet sites.

Pharrell took the time to comment on each participant's rhyme:

“I think Pusha put the meltdown on it. ... But, I mean, I like everybody’s verse because I think that Lupe killed it, Kanye killed it. Mine was more about style than how dope the rhyme was. It was really my melody that I liked more than anything — that’s why my vocal approach was a little different from what you would hear me do. I wanted to just do something different that would look different on me.”

When asked why fix something that isn't broken (a reference to how great the original version of the song already is), Chad from the Neptunes said:

"We wanted something with more of a straight-ahead, club-bumping beat, just a different take on it," Hugo said. "We like to remix, dismantle, take apart shit and put it back together. It's just like a Rubik's Cube: When you can't solve it, you just break it and you put it back together."

MTV has some footage of Pharrell talking on the set of the video:

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

Pharrell: Father or Fool, Daddy or Duped?

Word on the street is that Pharrell has knocked up some model from Miami that he met less than a year ago.

Because Pharrell is such a private person no real details have been released other than the fact that some chick P has been banging turned up preggers.

Now I know this woman must be incredibly beautiful, but I certainly hope (for P's sake) that she didn't cut any holes in condoms or go retrieve a used condom from the garbage and inseminate herself.

In other words it is quite possible that this chick trapped him in hopes of cashing in on his hard-earned dough.

I hope Pharrell likes (I don't care if he loves her or not) this chick enough to do something in the best interest of the child, but either way he is screwed.

These types of "relationships" are doomed from the beginning (shout out to Kanye who had enough foresight to cut off his former fiancee and protect himself and his assets) and destined to last just a few years, if that, before child custody and alimony proceedings turn the father into
a bitter woman hater.

Apparently the mystery woman is "very pregnant" and "she hangs out with the backstage crew when he performs."

Truthfully I just hope this new madness does not affect his music at all.

Pharrell Talks Madonna, Common, Solo Album

A recent interview with Pharrell uncovered a few gems I had no idea about.

After intially dismissing the influence of drum n' bass on the new N*E*R*D album, Pharrell finally admits it in reference to Common's new album, of which the majority will be produced by the Neptunes:

"We kept talking about going in the studio for two years straight. We had done "Come Close" a couple of years ago, but he said he wanted to go back in and work together. We finally we scheduled it and it was just magical. He was into where I was going...

I was annoyed by D&B when I was young. You have to think about it, what could we do more energetic than Lapdance. So we had to speed up the BPMs so we took it to 140!"

About working with Madonna and him making her cry in the studio:

"We really collaborated and she pushed me harder and harder and harder. At first it frustrated me cos I'd never been demanded around like that, but after a while, I got used to it and it made me be even more efficient than I would normally be. I learned a lot. I thought I was a workaholic before -- now I'm a workaholic."

On his situation with The Clipse, which is rumored to be on the rocks:

"All is good, we're family."

One thing that surprised me was his answer when asked if he was disappointed with the reception of his solo album:

"In hindsight, I realised that it should have been a compilation with a bunch of artists, rather than just me. Once I did a couple of shows I was like 'Uh-uh, this ain't working.' So I let it go. The energy just wasn't right."

He also touches on CRS. Check it out here.

Pharrell to Get Rid of His Tattoos

“I got tattoos, do forgive me.”

Pharrell sang those very same words on "Our Father," the last song on his 2006 very underrated solo album, "In My Mind".

In another example of art imitating life, it is being reported that Pharrell has decided to use dermatologist-developed fake skin to cover his tattoos, which he now refers to as "childish".

His tattoos include a naked woman on his forearm and an insect-like design on his neck.

According to Pharrell, "There's a place called the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Skin Treatment in North Carolina.

It's basically like getting a skin graft, but you're not taking skin from your ass or legs -- these guys actually grow the skin for you.

First you have to give them a sample of your skin, which they then replicate. Once that's been done, they sew it on -- and it's seamless."

This episode reminds me of a few years ago when Pharrell's face went through some type of transformation and he was rumored to have had plastic surgery on his face and cheeks, similar to that of LL Cool J about a year earlier. I love Pharrell as a musician but this is taking metrosexuality to a brand new level.

The chicks already love him, and he's going to be rich forever so they will stay loving him, so what is the big deal?

Pharrell hasn't condemned tattoos in general, just the ones he has already gotten.

"When it's healed you can go get whatever tattoo you want," he said.

N*E*R*D talk Tattoos

EDIT: Video footage of Pharrell discussing his tattoos below.

Pharrell on the Cover of Paper Magazine

Superproducer and Virginia's favorite son Pharrell Williams graces the cover of the new June/July issue of Paper Magazine, which has a nice little feature on Skateboard P and some of his passions beyond the music.

Pharrell discusses his obsession with high fashion when the interviewer asks about his huge bag he has with him -- the same bag he is seen flaunting on the magazine's cover.

"Don't call it a murse," he says, pulling out his second look from the gargantuan purple croc Hermès tote, which he has accessorized with another Jacob keychain, this one covered in yellow diamonds to match the bag's gold hardware. "It's not a man purse. It's my travel bag." A custom-made Haut a Courroies to be exact, the bag that inspired the smaller, obsessively collected style that was named after British actress Jane Birkin. Williams declines to say how much he paid for it because that would be "tacky," but when pressed, admits that it costs as much as a high-end Mercedes. He has six of them in various colors. And another on order.

Frightening to think he has that much disposable income that he can pay the amount is costs to buy a top notch Benz for a damned hand bag.

It's a decent read, and it's online now.

Star Trak's Last Hope?

Star Trak Records at one time seemed more like a family of artists who all seemed to be on the same wave length, always performing together and working together and churning out some of the best Neptunes production to this date.

Kelis, The Clipse, The Neptunes and N*E*R*D were all in full swing, all still somewhat new, and touring like crazy.

But now that Star Trak roster has been seriously decimated. The now veteran acts I spoke of above are all on separate labels and hardly work with each other anymore.

Kelis futuristic sound has been traded in for a smoother, more refined and traditional approach to singing by Robin Thicke.

The Clipse's grimy yet witty coke raps have been replaced by newcomer Charles Hamilton's more playful and carefree rhymes.

And peripheral yet vital Star Trak affiliate Roscoe P. Coldchain devoting more time to staying out of jail than staying in the studio, it would seem the last of the originals are Chad and Pharrell, and Shay.

But what about Fam-Lay, Norfolk's finest who we first heard on The Clipse's debut album in 2002? Let's not forget about Fam, who has been putting in work over the last year releasing a mixtape as well as leaking a number of tracks to the internet for his hungry fans to grab up.

His style is decidedly country but with a hustler's mentality. Not exactly the most original approach, but considering who introduced him to the masses, I guess it's only right that he's guilty by association.

Here are a few of his outstanding tracks, in no particular order, that need more recognition:

No Time For No's Feat. Pharrell & The Clipse: This beat is crazy with Neptunes sounds galore and a sick bassline, but Malice gets takes the crown as he goes on about how he's so busy and important that he just doesn't have any time in his life for a woman that will tell him "no" in any capacity. He starts his verse off by singing the first couple of bars:

"I just wanna have relations...
Without complications...
With no expectations...
Strictly for sport b*tch,
But this ain't no court, b*tch!
More like Courtyard Marriot.
Oh, the canary rock?
Well that's the worm on the fish hook.
Soon as the bitch look, the b*tch hooked.
Accurate description, it's like fishin'."

This song is going on two years old now and it would have rocked from the clubs to the jeeps with ease.

I'm told to be on the lookout for Fam's new mixtape, tentatively called The Dirty Way.

Da Beeper Song Feat. Pharrell: This one sounds like something straight out of Slim Thug's vault of Neptunes beats. Fresh organs with a deep 808 over a bouncy beat. Another slept-on gem. No real quotables here but Fam steps his style game up and flips and ill flow throughout the song that's worth noting.

Fresh n' Drivin' Feat. Pharrell: Noticing a trend here? Yep, it would seem that Fam can't make a hot song without Skateboard P. But to Fam's credit, he is not the only artist to fall under that category. This song is heavy on the Neptunes synths and comes off as a cool summer song, and while some might say Pharrell wails on the hook, others with trained ears will admit that his wailing complements the song perfectly and was just what it needed to be complete. Anyone would have sounded dope on this song, so of course Fam shines.


Recently Fam seems to have gone in a different direction musically with the release of his latest single, "War Music," on which he just can't find the beat, so he comes off as a bit rhythmless. To his credit, the beat is wack anyway, but Fam still has some decent rhymes and you can see his growth as an emcee.

Now is the time for Pharrell and Chad to step in and bless this man with beats and cash in on his talent while the southern rap market is still lucrative. Fam opened up for N*E*R*D when I saw them about 3 years ago and he had a Lil Jon song and everything, and even that never got released!

This can probably be attributed to record label drama, as he was signed to Def Jam a few years ago, so, sadly enough, I expect him to languish in Joe Budden obscurity for the remainder of his rap career. I hope he proves me wrong, though.

Here are two other random but decent Neptunes-produced Fam-Lay tracks:

Head Bussa Feat. Pharrell
Git Busy (B Side of Fresh n' Drivin)

Heartbeat: Madonna vs. Pharrell & Nicole S

So it seems my secret Neptunes sources have blessed me with an alternate version of a Neptunes-produced track called "Heartbeat" from Madonna's new album Hard Candy.

The new version features Pharrell singing in an alarmingly extra high falsetto with the beautiful Nicole Scherzinger providing the backup vocals.

Both versions share the same lyrics.

I prefer the version with Pharrell and Nicole S just because the music, while very similar to Madonna's version, has much less of that European dance music feel to it that all but consumes Hard Candy.

I wonder how many more random Neptunes demo tracks are lying around the Star Trak studio with gems on them like this, the Res joint and the Latrelle song...

Which one is better? You be the judge.

Madonna - Heartbeat
Pharrell Williams feat. Nicole S - Heartbeat

N*E*R*D Interview

Interesting how when asked about the Drum n' Bass influence on Seeing Sounds Pharrell and Shay decidedly disagree with the interviewer and instead declare that the album pulls from a myriad of genres and that Drum 'n Bass is but one of them, downplaying it's undeniable presence on the album.

Pharrell also confirms my suspicions -- that Seeing Sounds was made specifically with the concert performance in mind; the music is tailor made for rocking stadiums, arenas and nightclubs alike.



This album is growing on me more and more daily. Word on the street is that Spaz (yes, the song from that Zune commercial...) will be the next single.

Another Neptunes Reference Track

My trusty sources have uncovered a demo track of Justin Timberlake's very Stevie Wonder-sounding song "Nothin' Else," performed by R&B singer and former Star Trak affiliate Latrelle.

I had never heard this before but apparently it was ripped from Justin's DVD "The Making of Justified" where Pharrell has Latrelle demonstrate for Justin just how the song should be sung.

I kind of like the Latrelle version better than Justin's just because normally I prefer to hear women sing, but also because the music is a bit more raw with various Neptunes sounds here and there that cannot be found on Justin's album version.

And of course no Neptunes demo track would be complete without hearing a frantic Pharrell in the background ranting and raving about how incredible the song sounds.

Latrelle's album, Dirty Girl, Wrong Girl, Bad Girl, was schedule to be released on Artista in April of 2002 but got shelved because of contract issues as well as the fact that her entire album leaked online well in advance of the release date.

Latrelle - Nothin' Else (Justified Demo)

Latrelle - Dirty Girl, Wrong Girl, Bad Girl LP

Res Sings for N*E*R*D?

I've seen Res perform live and I've even enjoyed a few of her songs, including what she's done with her group with Talib Kweli, but I have a new found respect for her after hearing her version of the upcoming N*E*R*D song "You Know What".

I heard the N*E*R*D snippet already but it got cut off like 10 seconds into the track, so imagine my delight when I stumbled upon this gem that just recently leaked to the Web.

No doubt Pharrell murders this on his own but it's kind of nice to hear other artists that aren't normally associated with the Neptunes featured on a N*E*R*D track.

I can't stop playing this song! Enjoy.

Res -You Know What (Reference Track)

A Planet Called Harlem

It is not lost on me that a likely reason Teyana Taylor was signed to Star Trak at such an early age is because, not unlike her boss Pharrell, she is an advocate for skateboarding, rides BMX bikes, and has an eclectic (some may call it masculine) style of dress. And oh yeah, both can hardly carry a note. (Another unproven theory is that Teyana's parents, who are obviously loaded after we all witnessed them give her a very expensive Range for her 16th birthday, knew of Teyana's limited vocal capabilities and strong-armed/bribed Pharrell and Chad into signing her and putting out her album since it couldn't happen any other way...)

But another thing they both have in common is that they somehow, almost miraculously, turn their weaknesses (in this case, their voices) into their strengths, and can make a song sound good. But of course the reason those songs sound good is because, aside from the iffy voices, they have one thing in common -- Neptunes production. They also both sing and rap, and make it work.

Her lead single was produced by Jazzy Pha -- he of the ever-so-annoying "ladies and gentlemen" announcement on each and every song to give notice to the listener that he produced the track -- and while the song is catchy, it's missing something. It's almost too pop and girlie for Teyana, who dresses and speaks like a male. Still, I'm partial to Harlemites, so here is her video.

But some other songs have leaked, too, and these possess the Midas touch -- Neptunes on the boards. Please do a compare and contrast and let me know which ones you're feeling most.

Her album drops at some point next month, so I urge you all to support it by either buying a single or the album. For your listening pleasure:

Traffic Stop (my personal favorite)

Leave Me (vintage Neptunes)

Fly Away (decent, still a nice track)