Month: June 2006

Some say that Eminem is back. After the news of his Re-Up mixtape in collaboration with DJ Woo Kid, many people rejoice after hearing the news of Eminem’s possible return into the world of acting.
I am afraid I might disappoint some of my readers, because I’m not the kind of fan who says « amen » to everything Eminem says or does.
Supportive? Yes, in any case. Blind? No. I refuse to be. I leave that part to the groupies.
MTV and other media spread the news a few days ago, informing people that Eminem was likely to play in a TV drama entitled « ‘Have Gun — Will Travel’ ».
First of all, let me tell you that I doubt the degree of relevancy of that news. Since he played in 8 Mile, magazines and tabloids haven’t stopped gossiping about Eminem’s different roles in various movies. I never found those news credible, since Eminem himself stated about how much the making of 8 Mile was living hell for him and that he wasn’t keen on making another movie.
Moreover, I could barely picture Marshall Mathers playing in a movie after all he went through recently.
Second, let me explain why I really lack enthusiasm about the remake of the TV drama mentioned on MTV news.
In 8 Mile, Marshall was convincing and touching. Even if the movie was semi biographical, the talented rapper managed to make neophytes enter into the world of rap music and hip hop culture. Eminem guided people through his struggle and described the many struggles that are so familiar to underground rappers. This was about Detroit, his story, his context, his dreams, his flame for the music.
8 Mile is one of my favorite movies, ever and it is mainly due to Eminem’s talent. However, people have to remember that Marshall Mathers was made for this Jimmy Smith Jr Role.
The idea of him playing in a cheap TV role like Ice T’s recent cop roles doesn’t really enchant me. Sounds to me like Eminem is about to turn Hollywood and, honestly, I don’t like it that much. Hopefully, it is one of the numerous untrue stories posted on the net.
What I really like about Marshall Mathers is his talent for rap music. Nothing would please me more than to see him ready to bless the mic once again.
Copyright © 2006 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Who is Cultura Londres?
Cultura Londres is a Latino hip hop group based in the British Capital that collaborates with Latino hip hop artists worldwide.
The group is composed of Tiago , Rich Eric Bobo, Suzi, Juan and Tallman.
The interesting thing also is that Cypress Hill’s drummer, Eric Bobo, is getting involved in Cultura Londres. He has indeed become Cultura Londres’ official drummer and is featured on Cultura Londres Todo debut EP.
Unfortunately, I don’t understand Spanish, but what I know is that Cultura Londres brings a lot of sunshine into cloudy and rainy London through its Spanish vocals and the festive atmosphere that is typical to the Latino culture.
The Good Times video that is exposed on Cultura Londres’ my space account uses some Spanish vocals and introduces the listener into a soft but rhythmic atmosphere that is underlined by some spicy salsa accents.
Among the song exposed on their my space account, I already commented Fiesta on my latest Eric Bobo review.
The Chant EP song contrasts with the rhythmic and offensive La Piedra and Systema EP with its soft and deep vocals. It introduces you into a quite mystical atmosphere that is reinforced by the instrumentals.
More about Cultura Londres can be found on their official website.
Check them out!
Copyright © 2006 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

The internet is the place where the whole world connects. It is actually a rich cobweb where you can meet the most interesting people. I myself have met people there I would maybe never have met in real life, mainly because of the distance, but also probably because we are from different social and cultural backgrounds.
However, sometimes we are confronted with people who become a nuisance in our lives -through the net.
Some of them can turn into stalkers, blackmailers etc. Some others dare to threaten us, acting like the wannabe thugs they actually are.
First rule: DO NOT BE SCARED.
This is only the internet. Such people have a little illusion of « power » when they make those kind of threats. Remember not to enter into their game. Tell them that you are not scared of them and then totally ignore them, as if they had never been part of your « cyber life ».
Second rule: IGNORE THEM
People who are keen on stalking or harassing other people only live by your fear. The more you fear them, the more they harass you.
Put an end to this whole bullshit by blocking your enemy’s email address in case he/ she is sending you loads of emails.
Remember that nobody is ever gonna stomp you nor gun you down via the net. Also remember to be cautious: don’t give out your personal info on the net.
No matter what kind of person is after you on the net, most of them internet cowards disappear from your life when you don’t pay them any kind of attention.
You have the power to stop the whole thing. Don’t allow anybody on the net to make your life a living hell and enjoy talking to people who are really worth it.

Latin Hip Hop from London…Cultura Londres…stay tuned folks:)

Andy aka Mc Bastard has a quite uncommon story to tell to the world.
Born in Osaka, Japan on October the 11th, 1990, the young man still lives in Japan and currently works there. At school kids used to make fun of him, calling him « bastard », not because he was a fatherless kid, but because his last name had similar sonorities than that word.
Those teasing remarks would have destroyed many kids. However, they made Andy stronger and increased his determination to make it in this world and to do something amazing of his life.
At the age of 9, Andy would be introduced into rap music, but he wouldn’t focus on it that much.
A few years later, at 15, Andy discovered a program that allows you to record and organize music one could also produce, which motivated him to explore rap music further.
Eminem is a artist who had a major influence on Andy and who inspired him to write his music. Andy now produces his own music, always in search for new beats to go with it.
Politically engaged against Bush’s hypocrisy, the atrocities of the Iraqui war are redundant themes in his songs.
Other dark sides of life are constant sources of inspiration to the young emcee.
Another real good thing about Mc Bastard? He doesn’t want to expose a fake gangsta image that doesn’t correspond to the person he actually is.
MC Bastard explores hidden and sometimes shocking themes that will open his listeners’ mind.
Mc Bastard is one of those new talents in the rap game that are definitely worth a look. Check him out here.
Copyright © 2006 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

For those who are wondering about who Eric Bobo is, Eric Correa Bobo is the son of Latin- jazz percussionist Willie Bobo.
Eric Bobo-the best drummer in the world in my opinion- was a Beastie Boys member in the past and is better known as Cypress Hills drummer.
If people have heard much more about Cypress Hill’s B-Real, Sen Dog and DJ Muggs, Eric Bobo is nevertheless a very talented person whom I had the chance to meet and to see performing at the Paris Bercy show in 2003. Till now, I can still hear Eric Bobo’s percussions in my head, because his performance on stage really impressed me.
People who know him are probably amazed at his simplicity. Eric Bobo is down to earth and doesn’t have this « big head » that is so typical to many people in the music industry, despite his numerous years of experience in the business.
Today I will give you readers the opportunity to appreciate the mans talent as a solo artist.
Eric Bobo has been working on a solo CD entitled Meeting Of The Minds.
A few snippets from his album are available on his my space account. Usually drums and percussions are the secondary part in many of the songs we hear. However, in Eric Bobo’s music percussions play a determinant part. Crazy rhythms, mad percussions sounds, a typical Latino flavor are beautifully married to the vocals that totally fit into his tracks.
Meeting Of The Minds featuring Tony Touch will allow you to fully enjoy Bobo at work with his drums. This unique sound he provides through his bongos and congas is just wonderful. It allows you to enjoy his use of the percussions to the fullest. Spanish vocals combined to Bobo’s drums give his song a unique taste.
Fiesta is enlightened by some Mexican sounds. Percussions and Spanish lyrics will underline the festive atmosphere of the track. Stand up and dance along the music.
Apocalypse is rich of many sounds and introduces the listener into a darker atmosphere that is beautifully underlined by Ill Bill’s gritty voice.
The track has an obvious political meaning.
Pizzle featuring The Demigodz is built of a lighter note. Feel the pimping atmosphere of the track that is spiced up with a good salsa flavor.
Eric Bobo’ s Meeting Of The Minds is due to release soon. Expect a great piece of work. Check his snippets out here.
Copyright © 2006 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

from his solo work “Meeting Of The Minds”…stay tuned ya all:)

MC Hammer is back again with his FullBlast Digital album. For those who have known Mc Hammer’s style from the early 90’s (like me), his current style is completely different- but nevertheless hot.
The man who made rap music popular has worked on a brand new, refreshing style using more electronic sounds. His my space account will allow you to watch and enjoy a beautiful and rhythmic demonstration of dance, the Look Look Look video. Watch ladies and gentlemen moving to on the floor to the keyboard sounds. Mc Hammer has a real nice flow delivery.
Another of his videos Get To No U, has a romantic flavor and it enriched with some soul/ R’n’B sounds. Listen to Mc Hammer declaring his flame to a beautiful black lady. Soft sounds, sweet melodies: a delightful taste for lovers all over the world.
Among the songs exposed on his my space, Yay caught my attention.
Mc Hammer introduces you into a very enthusiastic dimension. Claps, rhythmic beats, electronic sounds, a rapid flow and a confident and skilled emcee will make you share his passion for his art. This is how Hammer does it. Follow the skilled emcee in his crazy ride.
Hyphy Dumb Buck Crump is another of Mc Hammer’s recent creations. He flows faster than the wind and communicates his enthusiasm and happiness.
MC Hammer is a veteran in the rap game who fully mastered his art. Face it: you can’t touch this.
Check out Mc Hammer’s brand new songs and videos here.
Copyright © 2006 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Sorry folks…there will be no post today…I’m not feeling well and I need a little bit rest…
I will be working on three new Mc Hammer songs (yes, I like Mc Hammer lol) and will post a review as soon as i will feel better…

Macomb County Circuit Judge Antonio Viviano has set the schedule for the divorce proceedings between rap star Eminem, also known as Marshall Mathers, and his wife, Kimberley Mathers.
They are due in court for a status conference on June 22 and are to file a witness list four days later. Viviano also set a deadline of Aug. 25 for completion of depositions, interrogatories, pension evaluations and medical evaluations. The couple married Jan. 14 for a second time, and Eminem filed for divorce 82 days later.