vs

I thought we declared in 2006 that beef was played out? When I opened my Gmail inbox today I had a couple of joints from Tru Life’s latest mixtape. After listening to these records, I just shook my head in disappointment. First of all, TRU LIFE IS WACK! There is nothing that can be done to compensate for his lyrical ineptitude, hence Hov did the intro to the mixtape in order to garner interest in his artist.

Secondly, why would Jay (old head) – Z talk greasy on a mixtape and co-sign a cat no one cares about? (Where is Aztek?) Jay (I got my own hue) – Z in my eyes is 3 months 2 late with his response. If Hov is going to respond…be a man and respond! A half- ass 3 min rambling session would have worked 3 yrs ago when the world clamored for a 16 from Jay-Z, but with the release of the subpar Kingdom Come, his brand as a rapper has been a bit tarnished. Who gives a sh*t how many records you sold….the album was basura! Even with his marketing plan at full tilt, Jim Jones still had the hottest record in the country. Now…I’m not validating Jim Jones as an MC because there’s a lot to be desired from him as well, but you have to respect the fact that he had the ears of the people.

Moreover, I’m tired of hearing cats beef over records like b*tches. This lends more credence to my assertion that NAS dropped the best album in 2006 (so far 2007). Don’t get me wrong I’m entertained by these battle songs, but at some point I want to hear dope lyrics and hot songs…not cat calling. Who really cares if Hov got roughed up in L.A. by Haitian Jack?(true story) Who really cares if Jim Jones had a little situation at the Rucker? (true story)

There are more pressing issues going on in the world. Bush is sending 20k more troops into Iraq, a disproportionate amount of them will be minorities. Cats are still starving in the hood and the environment is f*@cked up. Maybe the cat calling between rappers is an opportunity for listeners to escape reality, but the reality is we need more music of sustainable substance. Hip-Hop is supposed to be our CNN to the streets, not an 8th grade gossip session. I’m not mad at cats for trying to get a little shine, but when rappers use dis records as their entree into the game I can’t respect you…. It’s PASSE!

Stop “drowning our consciusness by means of rhythmic noise.” – George Orwell, 1984
~YG

Filed under: La Música by !YG
No Comments »

So what does YG drink when he’s romancing or just maintaining his sexy? U guessed it right, Champán! This bubbly beverage invented by French monks is not just a drink, but it’s a way of life. When I visited the Champagne Region in France a few months back, all I could see were couples casually sippin’ crushed grapes and enjoying the nice weather. After visiting the Moet & Chandon headquarters in Épernay, it clicked in my head that I had it all wrong. As they broke down the culture to me I began to understand that Champ was not meant to be sprayed on each other at parties… It was made to be enjoyed! So, after research and hours of taste testing :-), I’ve found a few Champs that I truly enjoy.

Pol Roger

Pol Roger was the favorite champagne of Winston Churchill. They produced champ in pint bottles, solely for Churchill to consume. Pol Roger Brut is dry with a roasted scent that will titillate your palate. It’s good to pair Roger with white meat or a fish dish. If you are going the dessert route….pair it with something creamy…

Veuve Clicquot

Veuve Clicquot is my favorite champ. I drink it when I want to celebrate, get buzzed, or just kick it with friends. Veuve is actually really good when you pair it with sushi or appetisers. I don’t enjoy it so much with a meal, but it’s still a good choice when you want to “maintain your sexy”.

Piper Sonoma Blanc De Noir

Now my friends from France would kill me for endorsing a Sparking Wine from Cali, but Piper Sonoma is that “crack”… It’s creamy yet very fruity. If you did an episode of cribs at my house Piper is in the fridge next to the grape drink. The Blanc De Noir is a delightful champ that you can enjoy anytime. I would really recommend pairing it with chocolate… 😉
At the end of the day, it comes down to what you like to drink. Don’t be afraid to try something new that’s part of the joy of drinking champagne.

~YG

Filed under: Sippin on Crushed Grapes by !YG
No Comments »

Last night I attended a launch party for House of Muses in the city. The House of Muses is an accessories company founded by Lea Muses back in 2004. The company specializes in the production of handbags and other accessories for women. I was truly impressed with the presentation last night by the House of Muses. Even though right now they only have bags for women, I foresee murses (man bags) for the next collection of Mlle Muses. (Lea don’t let me down) All of the photos on the website were shot by my home girl Mlle Piper Carter: pipercarter.com

Check out the House of Muses website: www.thehouseofmuses.com

Filed under: Stylin' On You, YG Flicks...A Bon Vivants Life by !YG
1 Comment »

The Profit Miner

Akon

Hip hop singer Akon (born Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam) hasn’t rested on his laurels after his sophomore album Konvicted debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 in November, 2006. He’s been busy producing a film, preparing for the February release of his Konvict Clothing line, overseeing his successful Konvict Muzik record label (distributed by Universal Motown), and starting a new label called Kon Live Distribution (distributed by Universal/Interscope). He has also found time to start a diamond mining business in Africa, called Aliaune, which supplies “non-conflict” diamonds to wholesalers.

Filed under: Cool Articles by !YG
No Comments »

Stocks give you the best shot at high returns, having returned more than 10% a year since 1926, twice the return of bonds. So stash a big chunk of your portfolio in equities – 70% is a reasonable amount if you are investing over a couple of decades, says Kevin Sale, a financial adviser in Bloomington, Minn.

If you don’t consider yourself a stock picker, a broadly diversified index fund – tracking either the S&P 500 or Wilshire 5000 – is a perfectly reasonable option.

Key stat: Most wealth of millionaires comes from job earnings (32%). Just 16% is inherited.

Filed under: Cool Articles, Money Matters by !YG
No Comments »