Lyrics Born ft Trackademicks & Clyde Carson

When I saw this collabo I almost tinkled in my draws, because it features one of the dopest and most diverse Bay Area line-ups you could conceive. You have the OG back-packer in Lyrics Born, the indie-pop producer in Trackademicks and the smoothed out turf rapper in Clyde Carson. I hella love Clyde, but he got lyrically molly-whopped by Tracks and LB on this joint.

The song, "Block Bots," lacks a hook, but features some quality wordplay from Tracks before getting demolished by Mr. Born's second verse. I didn't know you could write an entire 16 that rhymes with "Frodo Baggins." It would be interesting to hear more from this threesome in the future, but this should keep us rap-nerds occupied for now.

DL: "Block Bots"- Lyrics Born ft. Trackademics & Clyde Carson

This cut is off The Lyrics Born Variety Show Season Pho. Click HERE to cop it for only $5!

Thanks to TheBayIsBack

Clyde Carson's "Bass Rock EP" Drops Today!

A gang of leaks aside, the fans have been waiting for Clyde Carson to surface for dumb ass long. Well today 6/16 his Bass Rock EP finally drops. Make sure to cop that and check out the interview he did with DJ Backside on WeTheWest radio last weekend. He speaks on the future of The Team, the new EP and his Black Wall situation. Plus DJ Backside plays the top 10 west coast records of the week. Be sure to listen for the 38th Notes shout out (Thanks sis)!

DL: DJ Backside Show Week 2 (Clyde Carson Int)

ALSO: The Jacka's album Tear Gas drops today as well!

Brand New Clyde Carson Interview Pt. 1

Clyde sits down with Pushin' The Bay TV in part one of his exclusive interview with Emcee T. Here he talks about his start in the rap game, his time in NY (ahem), Hyphy Juice and the perpetual grind that is his career. Most gratifying to me was his acknowledgment that Richie Rich was a major influence on his sound, because I have said that Clyde is our generation's Rich for hella years. Keep it locked for the rest of the interview!

Rare Clyde Carson Interview (2007)

Just came up on this interview that I don't believe has ever surfaced before. The saddest part about his interview is that everything he is talking about has yet to happen. We still have not seen Theater Music, a DJ Skee Mixtape, a new flavor of Hyphy Juice or any other pieces of the Clyde Carson media empire he alludes to. He says Game doesn't control his fate, but some one does.

I know Bay Area artists worked the independent hustle to eventually get to the stadium level, but looking at FAB and Clyde's suspended projects, I lightweight think we should just return to our roots. Bay artists have been pioneers before, and with the music industry in flux I think it's time we reassert our maverick mentality and change the game again.

With the internet do we really need the distribution and the advertising major labels afford anyway? Artists no longer do shows to sell albums, they do album to selkl out shows. My advice to Clyde: Dip on the label and grind. Moe Doe all day family!

Kaz Kyzah: "Freeway" Plus Bonus Team Song

This cut is off The Gofessional 2 but it didn't really jump out at me when it dropped a couple months ago. Maybe now it's resonating a bit more because the summer is approaching making the sunny feel good tracks a bit more appetizing. Clearly a joint called "Freeway" has a little something to do with cruising in your finest automobile so you might want to try it.

DL: "Freeway"- Kaz Kyzah

The vibe forces me to revisit one of my all time favorite Team songs ("Summertime In The Town") as I gear up for what may be my first complete summer ever away from my beloved Oakland. Just zone out to this man. So lovely.

DL: "Summertime In The Town"- The Team

Traxamillion & Clyde Carson: "In Her Ear"

We've posted a few Clyde Carson songs lately, but this one is definitely my favorite as it combines his gift for making both "cruising" and "girl" records. Granted Clyde isn't the most romantic cat, but his shtick has worked for him, particularly over crack ass beats like this one from Trax. I predict that this summer you may cruise the lake to this one.

DL: "In Her Ear"- Clyde Carson & Traxamillion

Supposedly off Trax's The Slap Addict 2. Daps to Leftcoast415

Clyde Carson & R. Kelly: "Take It To The Hotel"

I know Kells is a child molestor and everything, but major propers to Clyde for landing a super star. Clyde is my dude 100%, but even though he got the Pied Piper on this one he is capable of way more than he's been showing lately. This track is just another joint about indiscriminately piping down runners– Boring! I understand that if that's the life he's living then he's gonna speak on it, but damn.

The Negro League and World Premiere were dope because they had the stuntin' anthems and more heartfelt stuff. But since Clyde signed with Black Wall Street, it seems like we're only hearing shallow records that misrepresent Clyde's musical capabilities.

When I chopped it up with Clyde a couple years ago at a Goapele concert, he was working on Theater Music and said it was going to be a real well-rounded album. He supported this claim by telling me that he had been in the studio with Common and Wyclef. Of course TM is still trapped in the fledgling industry machine, but Clyde's EP Bass Rock looks to include the Wyclef collabo. So maybe there is hope for a more in-touch Mr. Carson after all.

Speaking to this track specifically though, R. Kelly is using auto-tune, which is ridiculously unnecessary. You're R. Kelly, you can actually sing! Will someone please grow some balls and stop processing their every utterance? If you can sing (Kells), then do it! If you can't then don't. There is nothing wrong with experimenting, but everyone is doing the same old shit and it's played. What ever happened to originality in music anyway?

DL: "Take It To The Hotel"- Clyde Carson & R. Kelly

Daps to TheBayIsBack

New Clyde Carson: "Bo"

Yup you read right. I've been slappin this for the last week, but haven't had time to post it. Product of hustlin' 24/7 I suppose. In any case this is Clyde's ode to "Bo" (or as it's known outside the Bay, lean/syrup/promethazine), which I'm gonna assume he mixes with Hyphy Juice. It seems like a lot of the new shit I've heard from Clyde is about drugs and alcohol, but maybe that's why his forthcoming EP is called Bass Rock.

Like LeftCoast415 I'd rather see a Team mixtape, but we can't always get what we want. Speaking of what we want, can Clyde get a muh'huckin relase date for Theater Music? Geez!

DL: "Bo"- Clyde Carson

Happy 4/20 from Clyde Carson & Willie Joe

If you're from Cali then 4/20 isn't really much of a holiday, because there's a good chance you blow on the regular. In fact, you probably forgot today was 4/20 because you smoked too much on 4/19. But in case you are partaking, here are a couple new dro anthems from Clyde Carson and Willie Joe.How will I be celebrating you ask? Well, I am currently pulling an all-nighter to crank out a couple articles and then I have work all day after that. So yall go ahead without me. Make sure you take Clyde and Willie with you though. Easy

DL: "Smokin' Dro"- Clyde Carson


DL: "4/20 Anthem"- Willie Joe

Bonus: Yall know Yukmouth burns with the best!

"Secret Lover"- Clyde Carson feat. Rico Love

If the last record I posted was for the trip over to your boo's spot, this is for your extracurricular creepings. I won't condone cheating, but I know some of yall know no other way. Either way this track is a real smooth late-night number that would have fit seamlessly into The Cataracs' Stimulating Package Mixtape.

UPDATE!! DL: "Secret Lover"- Clyde Carson & Rico Love

R&Bay: Goapele Live at Yoshis March 27-29

I have seen Goapele live a couple of times now, and have to say that seeing her at Yoshis is a real treat. The Jack London Square jazz spot is a storied institution that has hosted some of the greatest names in music. It is an honor to perform there, but Oakland's Own Neo-Soulstress is certainly deserving. The intimate venue is the perfect backdrop for her soaring transcendent voice and her tight live band. And maybe if you're lucky, Clyde Carson will make a cameo to perform "Different" like he did last time she played Yoshis (see pic abaove).

Tickets are $28 for each of the six weekend shows. Click here to purchase. You don't want to miss this! Trust

The Sideshow: Car Culture vs. Buffoonery

I'm not sure if this is an official video for "Ghetto Sperstar," given that neither Balance, Smitty Grandz or Izz Thizz are in it, but I appreciate the focus on Bay Area car culture. These are the types of antics that I would have liked to see incorporated into San Quinn and Keak's video for "Hot n Cool."

I understand that to many, particularly older folks, sideshows are a nuisance and dangerous, but it's usually the accompanying activity that causes problems. The above video is clearly not legal, but is done in deserted areas where risk is minimized. Clearly much of the buffonery that happens at the sideshow (see Clyde Carson's "Hood Stomped Out" below) is unacceptable, but I can appreciate innovative automotive art when I see it.

Not sure if yall remember, but a number of years ago there was talk of actually legalizing sideshows and providing a controlled venue like the Coliseum parking lot for them. The idea was predictably scrapped, but I would say, if you can afford to buy new tires every week and want to tear up an empty lot, be my guest. I would rather see talented drivers in flashy cars showing off their wheelmanship in open spaces (like the Balance vid above) than see drunk kids wrap their buckets around poles and people, while others indiscriminately stomp out hoods and windshields. Just a thought.

What do you think?

Stay tuned for Kaz Kyzah's "GoFessional 2"

March 3 was the scheduled release date for The GoFessional 2, but I'm not finding it online or on iTunes. Has anyone checked the local Bay spots like Amoeba or Rasputin? In any case, whether it dropped yesterday or does so in a week or two, I'm oh so ready. Yall know that his former Team-mate Clyde Carson is my dude, but Kaz is without a doubt the better lyricist. So be on the look out for King Kazzy's GoFessional 2! Peep the teaser video above & the track below.

"580"- Kaz Kyzah

Previously:
The Team feat. Turf Talk "Feelin'On"
Kaz Kyzah is the best rapper in the Town

New Bayness for My Peoples

Clyde Carson and The Game offer a little gangsta seduction for those of us who have been away from home for awhile and yearn to return to those familiar arms . . . and legs.

DL: "Touchdown Remix"- Clyde Carson & The Game

This new joint by Balance, Chamillionaire and Mack Mayne is a remake of Cellie Cel's Bay classic "It's Goin' Down." I would love to hear a Richie Rich verse on this in the near future. Unfortunately I can't stream this one, but it's worth the DL.

DL: "It's Goin' Down 2K8"- Balance, Chamillionaire & Mack Mayne

Jacka has also been active of late. Below are a few of his latest cuts.

DL: "Another Day"- Berner & Jacka

DL: "Heavy Rain"- The Jacka

DL: "She Know I Get High"- The Jacka & Bo Strangles

Vallejo native and pop-rap B-lister Baby Bash drops a vid to his recent single featuring Mario & Lil Jon. Anyone ever seen dude without a hat?

"Feelin' On"- THE TEAM feat. Turf Talk

When I saw this posted over at The Bay is Back, it read "Clyde Carson feat. Turf Talk." I'm not big on Turfie, but I love Clyde, so I downloaded it. After Clyde's verse I lightweight tuned out, but then low and behold, it was Kaz Kyzah on the 3rd verse. The optimist in me wants to believe that in this struggling economy Kaz and Clyde have moved back into their old FunkTown apartment and began making music together again. However, the realist in me figures this is prolly just an old joint I never heard.

The song itself, produced by the Tracklordz, is your standard stuntin' record, but for some reason when its The Team, it's just way better. Kaz and Clyde have the market on cool cornered in my humble opinion. I fux with this. Viva La Team!

"Feelin' On"- The Team feat. Turf Talk

R&Bay: Jimmie Reign's "Different Person" Vid

This is Jimmie Reign's first single off her forthcoming debut album Pretty Girl. It's been a minute since 2007's Go Girl mixtape, but Jimmie has been bubbling quietly trying to get her cards right before her big move. Jimmie is the latest incarnation of a bit of an R&B rebirth in the Bay. After The Pointer Sisters and En Vogue faded and Raphael Saadiq headed south, there was a bit of a void until Keyshia Cole and Goapele stepped up. Now Jimmie Reign is hoping to follow their lead.

This video is alright, but click here to download her Go Girl mixtape. Below is my favorite cut off the project: "Tryin' 2 Be Your Girl" featuring The Team's Clyde Carson.


For more info on Ms. Jimmie Reign peep this interview with Emcee T on Pushin The Bay TV

Fabby Davis Jr. The Town's Traveling Man

I have love for FAB's music, as made evident by previous postings, but I also admire his grind. I don't know if yall have noticed, but FAB travels like crazy, which is not something many Bay rappers do. The Bay Area hip-hop scene is extremely insulated because our artists tend to stay local- many content to be Baymous rather than famous.

We have been type cast as graying ghostriders who need ghost writers in part because our artists don't hit the road to disprove this myth. Most of the country just sees Too $hort and E-40 and think that sums up our contribution to the game. Though both $hort and 40 have done a lot for The Bay and hip-hop, the next generation needs to be recognized by the world.

Thankfully Mistah FAB keeps The Bay somewhat relevant in hip-hop and the blogosphere by acting as our traveling ambassador. E-40 purports to be the "Bay's Ambassador," but I've been feeling like he might have to cede his title to FAB. I appreciate all 40's done for the Bay, including the press he attracted in the Ghetto Report Card era, but lately he hasn't seemed too invested in his ambassadorship. Not to take away from Unc's contributions, but we need a new face for the future. 40 should continue to do his thing, but I'd appreciate if he would try his best to, not just flaunt Bay culture, but also push more Bay artists at this juncture in his career.

That said, no cosign makes an artist in this era and Bay Area emcees definitely need to step up their grind in '09. Mistah FAB is virtually the only Bay rapper you'll find on hip-hop sites like nahright, not because he's the best, but because he's always traveling and collaborating with a wide variety of artists, putting himself, and Oakland, on the map.

Below are links to some of his latest collaborations accompanied by some choice lines. Working from Oakland outward we have: A Bay joint with our generation's Richie Rich- Clyde Carson; a Cali anthem with Fresno and LA's finest; and a track with New Orleans' hot spitta Curren$y. Enjoi

_____
"My money in Wachovia, being broke is my phobia
My car needed shoes so I Kobe 'em
Now they sittin high, standing up like a podium
Lifes a b*tch, but Ima f*** her with petroleum."

"Life's a B*tch"- Curren$y feat. Mistah FAB

_____

"I'm from the corners of the Black Panthers (Oakland)
Where the streets was ringing, so the crack answered"

"Sunny CA"- Strong Arm Steady feat. Mistah FAB, Planet Asia & Bishop Lamont

_____

"A new whip, I switch lanes at light speed
One hand wood grain, the other light weed
Warriors game court side like Spike Lee
A millionaire, but I still wear a white tee"

"I'm So (Fly)"- Mistah FAB feat. Clyde Carson

Where in the World is Clyde Carson?

If you have wondered when Theatre Music is dropping, if Clyde will release a mixtape, or where he's been lately, the above video has your answer. Well, actually I lied. It only answers the last question. The Team's Clyde Carson has been on a world tour with Black Wall Street promoting The Game's new album LAX. The audio isn't tremendous on here, but I'm amazed at how hyped these international crowds get for an opening act, as it is fair to assume that Clyde isn't exactly a known entity in Africa or Scandinavia.

It's great that Clyde is getting to travel the world and have the amazing eye-opening experiences that come with that, but I am still frustrated by his label situation. In review: Clyde was on the local label Moe Doe, but was then signed to Capitol Records. Then for some reason he was placed on a Capitol subsidiary, The Game's Black Wall Street. As a result Clyde has spent a lot of time in LA playing the background. By most accounts Clyde's debut solo album Theatre Music has been done for over a year, but Game keeps pushing his projects instead.

I have nothing against Game, but BWS just doesn't seem like a good fit for Clyde. If he is going to be consistently placed on a back burner and just be one of Game's hypemen, then he might as well be in Oakland making music with Kaz. Clyde has a gang of potential, but I think he may be on the wrong path. It is koo to see him on stage in Sweden in an Oakland sweatshirt tho. I can get used to that. As $hort and B-La would say, he's "so international."

Features Presentation: Clyde Carson

Here are some new joints The Team's Clyde Carson is featured on, plus his hard to find "Bartender Remix." I cannot find his Amerie "One Thing Remix" to save myself tho! Anyone got that? I've also tacked on a rare solo track. Enjoi a slice of Town from the belly of the East.

"All My Life"- Juice feat. Clyde Carson

"I'll Be Back"- Nu Jersey Devil feat. Clyde Carson

"Bartender Remix"- T-Pain feat. Clyde Carson & Akon

Bonus:
"Smoke It Away"- Clyde Carson

Some new Clyde Carson for the people

Alright yall, I have unearthed some new Clyde C. off that latest Black Wall Street Mixtape. I love Clyde and have been frustrated that Theater Music has been shelved by Game/Black Wall/Capitol Record's selfish asses. TM has been done for a while and I'm sure it harbors a gang of hotness. In any case, I'm glad some koo new joints have surfaced to pacify me for a minute. Clyde even gets militant on this first cut.

"Same n*gga in the field who was pickin cott singin'
but Malcolm told me I should start swingin'
go and get it- any means gotta bring it"

"Real N*ggaz"- Clyde Carson

"Start Writing"- Clyde Carson

"Believe It"- Clyde Carson