DJ Khaled ft T-Pain, Yeezy, Jay-Z: "Go Hard Remix"

"Even if I overdose on drugs, mufukas couldn't kill my buzz..." SHEESH!
**RO**

Feliz Navidad!

The Varsity Squad would like to wish you & your's a very Merry Christmas!
**RO**

Swizz Beats: "Represent Things You Do"

This beat is ill! (The C.R.E.A.M. chord is a crazy touch to this joint)
**RO**

Beyonce: "Diva"

Her jig right around 3:11 absolutely kills the game!
**RO**

Teriyaki Bozy feat. Pharrell & Chris Brown: "Work That"

And yes, I understand every word of what there saying... If you dont, I suggest you get like me & get your Japanese up!
**RO**

Consider...

Ok Potluck Fam, So I know everyone has seen this commerical which i suppose is supposed to be the new marketing strategy for McDonalds. However am I the only one that feels kinda weird when I see this?? I mean, a black dude singing about chicken....Like that's all we can do is make music videos and sing about chicken and orange soda?? Consider Potluck Fam....we gotta spark discussion.

Time Magazine Has Named Barack Obama the "Person of The Year"

"Rosa Parks sat, so Martin could walk... Martin walked, so Obama could run... Obama ran so we all could fly"
**RO**

The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

"Moments In Love"


For those who arent hip let me start off by giving a brief bio on these talented brothas from Chicago by way of New-York. The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble is a 9-piece, Chicago based jazz group featuring the 8 sons of Jazz great Phil Cohran on horns. These cats started as a street ensemble before recording in 2004. These guys have performed with the likes of Mos Def, Erykah Badu, and Maxwell & you can catch em all over the nation primarily in New-York.

I stumbled upon these cats reading the comments of an Asher Roth clip where him & Devin the dude were in the studio & they were goin-in over the trumpets of "Balicky Bone" (the first joint listed above). I instantly got chills & had to hear more which in turn had me on You-Tube until almost 3am. So what kind of guy what I be if I didnt share such musical greatness to the rest of the Potluck fam.... So if your a conniseur of good music sit back & enjoy greatness...
**RO**

Varsity Squad Year End Review... (Part 1)

Varsity Squad Year End Review Pt 1 from dj knyce on Vimeo.

The V-Squad has had an incredible 08!! We have continually "put-on" in a lane of our own, month after month. From Potluck, Off the Wall, Double-Team to everyone's individual projects, the brand has been defined!

Major shouts to the entire team; Dj K-Nyce aka "The best Dj in the world", Garrett, Mike aka Steve Twerkle, Dj Step-1, Teddy, Paul, Serious, & Cali Luv! But we would be remiss if we did not shout out YOU... the extended Potluck/V-Squad family. Without your continued support we cant continue to do what we do, so thank you!
**RO**

Official Statement...

In an effort to keep things fresh, the Varsity Squad will be placing the PotLuck on hiatus until further notice. Thanks for your Support!
**V-SqUaD**

Funniest Episode of Martin Ever...

There were some classic joints but this was by far THEE funniest episode of Martin! I effin lose it at 7:18... Enjoy! "you ridin in limos & stuff!" LMAO!!!
**RO**

N.E.R.D.: "Sooner or Later"

The best band ever...
**RO**

Drake: So Far Gone (Mixtape Coming Soon)

This is the first piece of artwork for "So Far Gone", Drake's next OFFICIAL mixtape which is coming out in the next few weeks. Drizzy described the tape as "a conceptual journey of my life since January 2008 and its my way of telling the stories that people want to hear in a more entertaining fashion." This particular piece is done by Oliver's boy Darkie and it's an adaptation of a classic cover from the international affairs magazine "The Economist".

Ive been sayin this for a while now, but Drizzy is that dude! & Im sure this mixtape is gonna further solidify his spot as one of Hip-Hop's young gunners! I personally cant wait for this joint to drop!
**RO**

Souljah Boy On 106 & Drive (Cartoon Parody)

This sh*t is effin hillarious..."First you gotta pull yo legs over yo shouldas & run while you lickn your elbows" Comedy!
**RO**

N.E.R.D.- "Sooner Or Later" (Behind the Scenes)

Sooner Or Later - Behind The Scenes


My favorite band is putting out a video for my favorite song on Seeing Sounds & let me be the first to say, this sh*t is about to be STUUUUPPPPPIIIIIDDDDDD!!!!!!! (In a good way)
**RO**

Everybody's Broke.............Heavy D.-Long Distance Girlfriend

Yes Ladies and Gentlemen it's the "diddly" man himself. Shouts to Toine for the put-on cuz this ish is GRADE A COMEDY!!!!When I saw this, I had to post it. Heavy D decided to take us to his roots I suppose. I just wish he woulda done it when "Da Boys" could've sang on the hook or something.....smh. I agree Toine....we are CLEARLY in a recession.....LMAO!
♥CaLiForNiA LuV

Kanye in L.A........CaLi Christmas 2008

Looks like i missed yet another dope ass show. I am so over being 3000 miles from the entertainment capital!!! UGH! Anywho....Kanye, T.I, and Busta did a show for Power106 on Tuesday. Looks like Ye' put on a show as always...kinda jealous cuz it looks like he gave more energy to L.A than he did to the show i was at. But it's cool, just means i hafta see him again....lol. Enjoy!
♥ CaLifoRniA LuV

Maroon 5: Call & Response (The remix album)

On Tuesday Maroon 5 dropped this remix album that is a pretty dope fusion of their music merged with the sounds of other top notch producers in the game from Mark Ronson to Just Blaze.

Two of my favorites are the two posted below. The Cool Kids absolutely lace a Maroon 5 classic & Skateboard P gives us that Neptunes sound without taking away the essence of the song in the second joint. You can always expect some quality music from this camp so enjoy...
**RO**

"Harder to Breathe" feat: The Cool Kids



"She Will be Loved" feat: Pharrell

Where Is Uncle Barack When You Need Him???

Wow...
**RO**

V-Squad footage (Christmas-Ale Story)

Potluck dec 2008 from stephen prewitt on Vimeo.

For those who arent familiar...
**RO**

Keyshia Cole ft Nas: "Oh-Oh, Yeah"

This track is very player... Shouts out to FRANKIE!
**RO**

Lauren London VS Megan Good

Okay, so a while back a few folks were over to the crib discussing who the hottest chicks in the game were, & we got into a heated debate over who is more of a problem between Lauren Mosley (Typo:London) & Megan Good. But the V-Squad/potluck fam is a good judge of character & has great taste, so can someone please set the record straight!
**RO**

T.I.: "Message To The Governement"

Can we say... banger??? Maybe its just me, but this joint definitely sounds like it coulda been on Trap Muzik! So gangstas... lean the seat back in ya Impala's, crank the volume on the JBL's, & zone out...
**RO**

Common ft Pharrell: "Punch Drunk Love" (Remix)

Pharrell absolutely went-in on the production of this joint for the remix. Its just something about that vintage Neptunes sound that makes me wanna do a cart-wheel & share cotton-candy with everyone...
**RO**

Ryan Leslie: "How It Was Supposed To Be"

If you follow the blog on a regular basis then Im sure you already know that R Les is a V-Squad favorite. This track is no different then what we've come to expect from this guy. (Sidenote: I will just re-emphasize to any aspiring producers/artists that it is a proven theory that if you throw the chant "Hey, Hey, Hey" in ANY song you damn near have a GUARANTEED hit.)Im no Barry Gordy but its just a suggestion...
**RO**

Kid Cudi: "Super Boo"

Here is a cool new joint from Kid Cudi aka Mr. Solo Dolo. The beat is super solid & the synths create the mood of the track which allows Cudi to do his norm, so enjoy... (Shouts to 2dopeboyz)
**RO**

Happy B-Day Hov & R.I.P. Pimp C...

We just could not let the day go by without ackowledging the significance of December 4th... So as I throw on my Pj's & sip the last of this Ace of Spades in celebration of Jigga-Man's 65th birthday,I would be remiss if I did'nt go to the medicine cabinet & pour some Nyquil on the ground for the late, great Chad Butler.
So in one voice let us all say... "Now Holl-UP!!!"
**RO**

Ludacris x DJ Envy

Luda recently sat down with DJ Envy ( :) ) on Hip-Hop Nation. Luda dishes on being compared to wack rappers like Shawty Lo, his on again off again beef with T.I., and what its like laying down tracks with Jay-Z.



Don't forget that Luda's new Theater of the Mind is in stores NOW

and

Check out Hip-Hop Nation DAILY on Sirius Satellite channel 40.

"Special Edition Potluck" (A Christmas-Ale Story)

The Varsity Squad is back at it with another installment of The Potluck! & honestly at this time we're feeling a little Hov-ish on some "What more can we say??". We unrelentingly go hard every time... Potluck brings a Great Time, Great Music, & Even better people. This time around special guests include Roscoe P Goldchain, AC Slater, Tina Fey, Robert Townsend, Hannah Montana & many more...
**RO**

Busta Rhymes ft Dj Khaled & T-Pain (prod by Cool & Dre): "Blown"

Im usually not a fan of the Cool & Dre/Khaled influenced track but I cant front, this joint is wicked! & it makes me wanna toss a hater a beating! LMAO!! Sidenote: The breakdown at 3:39 is freakin naasssttyyy!!
**RO**

Stocking Stuffer Alert: Crooks & Castles USB Drive

Not yet available online, Crooks & Castles dropped this “Bullet” USB Drive/necklace earlier this year at the Magic Show. Currently available at their flagship store, this is the perfect stocking stuffer for the fake thug on your list :)

**Sincerely Serious**

"Guess Who's Bizzack!" (Sneaker Edition)

How bout I actually saw a guy get jumped by 3 dudes for these kicks, & Im still wondering which one of em got to wear the shoes or did they allocate days of the week to who rocked em... (Just Thirsty!)

Nevertheless, I would venture to say that the 11's were THE dopest J's to ever hit the market!!! & They are slated for a re-release on December 28th 2008 for the low price of $310! LOL!!! (Would I be wrong for letting "The Man" cut my gas off in the name of the dopest J's ever???)
**RO**

Colin Munroe: "Unsung Heroe" (Mixtape)

If your like myself then you were introduced to this kid by hearing his remix of Flashing Lights which was outrageous. This guy is super talented from his production credits to the diversity in his arrangements & song writing.

Nevertheless he's back with a mixtape that is an absolute JAMMER!! (Shouts to Eskay) Wale absolutely goes-in on the first joint... "This game we play is alot like spades, a heart means nothing if two Jokers in the way" SHEESH! & The second joint is effin craaaazzzzyyyy!! Sidenote: If you dont think Drake is up next, YOUR STUPID! Yeah I said it...
**RO**

"Will I Stay" ft Wale & Dallas Austin



"Cannon-Ball" ft Drake

Jay-Z ft Santogold prod by Kanye West: "Brooklyn We Go Hard"

The big homey is back with an ode to his hometown & he commisioned a little assistance from my favorite hipster chick & Mr. 808. This one is a no brainer so enjoy...
**RO**

Birdman & Lil Wayne Pt 5 (Broken Equipment)

This is comedy...
**RO**

Scarface ft Bilal: "Cant Get Right"

Here is a solid track form Scarface's next LP Emeritus & its super soulful to say the least...
**RO**

TI ft Akon & Busta Rhymes: "Champ is Here" (Snippet)

Looks like Rambo is back with another BANGER! Cant wait to hear the full version of this joint...
**RO**



(Act Like it) *Bonus track*

Look @ My President!

So, I have decided to create a new segment for the Potluck fam called "Look @ My President". This man is really doing things in his OWN community capturing the hearts and most importantly the trust and confidence of people everywhere. The cool part is, he's doing it in the neighborhoods we grew up in. In this pic,our President is passing out holiday goods to the people at St. Columbanus Parish and School on Wednesday in Chicago. After that, he took time to talk to our future....the little ones! Take time to not only look at the pictures, but enjoy and contemplate on how much change this is going to bring to OUR America. YES WE DID!
♥ CaLifoRniA LuV

Somethin for the Fellas....

She definitely gives ALL the table dances in the Champagne Room.....LMAO! (shouts to Bossip)
♥ CaLiForNia LuV

Play Cloths by The Clipse

V.A.-bred duo The Clipse have premiered a new clothing line called "Play Cloths". The idea behind the brand is to capture a style of clothing that is comfortable in the office, as well as the streets. After peeping the logo for the shirts it kinda reminds me of the new style of BBC/Ice Cream and Bape tees that are out with the glow in the dark, neon-accents feel. I love the logo, and the website is a real eye-catcher, but iono about Pusha and Malice holding their own when it come to the fashion thing. They haven't quite been deemed as being "jacks of all trades" if i can put it like that, lol, What are your thoughts fam?? For more info, visit the site, www.PlayCloths.com.
♥ CaLiFoRniA LuV

Happy Turkey Day!!!!!

The Potluck Fam would like to wish you and yours a very safe,and Happy Thanksgiving! Eat good, Drink good,Enjoy your family and friends, watch The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade(or maybe that's just me, lol), Charile Brown Thanksgiving, Football,and whatever else it is you do to make your holiday special! Ladies make sure ya'll get enough rest to hit the gym Friday, since we can't shop =( DAMN YOU RECESSION!!!! lol just kidding, LOVE YA'LL!!!
♥CaLiFoRniA LuV

Ryan Leslie does "Heartless"

I know awhile ago Ro posted a clip of R. Les doing "Lollipop" with the keys. And now he's adding our big brother to the repertoires! Looks like he's on DJ Green Lantern's radio show on Sirius Radio. Wherever he is, this guy is too talented for words. I always find it fascinating how much producers really have a sixth sense when it comes to the intricacy of music. Enjoy! (Shouts to Ye's Blog)
♥CaLifoRniA LuV

I AM KING- the movie.....

First of all, this man Diddy has the advertising/marketing/PR team of a freakin CHAMPION!!!!! *ahem* Now a couple months ago, I did a post on new cologne Diddy is releasing called I AM KING. To my knowledge its already launched for the holiday season, but if it should be within the next week or so. Shiny suit man has enormous billboards in Times Square, Miami, and Sunset Boulevard in L.A advertising for his new venture. This trailer is just another facet of his campaign for the new scent [Shout to Ye's blog.]Hate if ya'll want, but this man is a genius.....one of the best business men in the world that needs to GIVE ME A JOB!!!! please =)
♥CaLiForNia LuV

Help Wanted: "V-Squad Fashion Blogger"

The Varsity Squad is looking for a fashion blogger so if any of you Super Jazzy Ladies or sushi fresh fellas out there are interested in the opportunity to put-on for the potluck community please contact me in the comments section of this post or at thevarsitysquad@gmail.com
**RO**

Common ft Kanye West: "Punch Drunk Love"

Chi-Towne's finest are back at it with one for the chicas, & this joint definitely has a nice bounce to it so fellas grab your girl (or somebody else's) & zone out...
**RO**

Lil Wayne ft Game: "Red Magic"

Okay I have a confession to make... I am typing this post with one hand & throwing up what may be a gang sign with the other...Enjoy!
**RO**

"Oh... So you think you can dance??" LMAO!!!!!

Check out the move when R Les says "they try to put me in a box" that sh*t is classic! LOL!!!
**RO**

Jeezy ft Pharrell: "Rumor Has It"

Im pretty sure this is a recycled Jeezy verse but the Neptune's synths make you kinda forget you've heard it already. Not to mention I believe this is a fairly new verse from Skateboard so its a pretty cool track overall...
**RO***

B.O.B. ft TI: "Im Dat Ni**a"

WHOAAAA!!!!! This muthufu*a is Hard!!! And the Curtis Mayfield "Pusha Man" sample is effin Genius!!!!
**RO**

YE' DAY! 808's and Heartbreaks IN STORES NOW!!!

THE DAY HAS FINALLY COME!!!! Yes, Potluck Fam's older brother's album drops TODAY!!! Also, the album will be re-released on December 16th, with this image (look^up) as a full body poster with special Christmas packaging (Shouts to Kanye's Blog). I've heard the album so I'll be buying it on the 16th so I can get my poster! But my faves so far, are Love Lockdown, Heartless, So Amazin' ft. Young Jeezy, Coldest Winter Ever, Robocop, and the song with Lil' Wayne (title seems to escape me at the moment). 808's and HEARTBREAKS!!!! WOOOOOOOOOO!
♥CaLiFoRniA LuV

Remember This??? Kanye on Def Poetry Jam....a LOOOONG time ago..

In the spirit of "Ye' Day" tomorrow, i figured most of the posts would be dedicated to the one that made it all possible=) This is a clip of the artist formally known as the "Louis Vuitton Don" (hence the stage)It's kinda dope tho, because he spits verses off of actual songs as poetry..."Bittersweet" is the last song (obviously) but I'll give a MILLION dollars to the person who can identify the first verse he spits before the poem! Enjoy! (LOVE LOCKDOWN OUT NOW!!!!! its 12:21 AM!)
♥ CaLiForNia Luv

On The Rise: Unique

Last week, newly signed Def Jam artist Unique attended a meet and greet for Endustry Power Players (shouts to my 2nd fam! lol) at HU, and I must honestly say, I was beyond impressed. A lot of the new artists coming out are not grasping the concept of good music and letting these record labels kick the "this-is-what-sells" pitch. I had never even heard of him before coming to HU, but now I see why this dude is on the rise, he's talented! To top it off, he is hands down, one of the coolest, most down-to-earth, artists I've ever met. Most of all, he doesn't shy away from the fact that he is still a young kid from Brooklyn with a dream to be a star. Plus his fresh is bananas,(and he's HOT!shhhhhh,lol!)!! Keep up the good work Unique! For more info on Unique, go to www.starpower-media.com.
♥ CaLifoRniA LuV

Kanye on the 2008 Europe Music Awards

Aside from the poor sound, Ye's performance was freakin' serious!!! Check out the lighting, the special effects, and his stage presence. If he isn't going down as a legend in the art of the stage then something is clearly wrong! Shouts to the UK for the surprise guest @ the end! LOL!
♥CaLifoRNiA LuV

Studio Session with Jamie Foxx & TI

Although TI & Jamie looked like they had great chemistry in the studio, this joint sounds like its gonna be a dud...
**RO**

Jamie Foxx ft Lil Wayne prod by Just Blaze: "Number One"

Boring... & Yes, even Jamie Foxx is a fan of the auto-tune. (This sh*t is gettn outta hand"...
**RO**

Musiq Soulchild: "So Beautiful"

I mean what can I say... This guy consistantly delivers quality music. Needless to say, this joint is extraordinarily smooth. Not to mention Homey never lets off the Falsetto which makes this joint a First Class jammer! (Shouts to Jameel for the put-on)
**RO**

Jim Jones ft Lil Wayne, Noe, & Twista: "Jackin' Swagger From Us"

*Yawn*

**RO**

Sgt Hawkins says: The Onus is on You!!

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Sirius Satellite's Reggie Hawkins and was pleasantly surprised at how real, down to earth, and deep this brother is. When I first saw him, I must admit that I was ready for a classic DJ Clue moment...you know one of those moments where you meet someone of some importance to you and they can't even glance up from their blackberry for a moment to even look you in the face. However, from the moment I said hello as I went to take my seat at the panel discussion, till the moment we concluded our interview, Reggie Hawkins proved the industry isn't completely full of...

Known on air as Sgt Hawkins, his alter-ego is no misnomer. Hawkins has been running things behind the scenes for years. Serving as long time program coordinator and show producer at New Yorks famed HOT 97; He is the man partially credited with the success of the wonderful tomfoolery known as the Star and Buckwild morning show (man I miss them) and has trained up industry giants like Green Lantern, Cipha Sounds, Kay Slay, and Dj Envy (you know I had to mention my Hampton Alum). He is now Formats Director at Shade 45 and Hip-Hop Nation on Sirius Satellite radio. (not a bad job huh?)

Given the chance to sit down with a Radio/Music Industry Vet of this caliber you know I had to ask the number one question on the minds of our readers:

So with that good readers the onus (SAT word of the day: responsibility, duty) is on YOU to go out and support the artists that you love.

The onus is on YOU to call your local radio station and request that new Q-tip (if you didn't know Renaissance is the hottest ish EVER).

The onus is on YOU to go out and cop that Janelle Monae Metropolis album in-stores now..LOL okay I'm done with the plugs...

Seriously readers BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN RADIO!

**Sincerely Serious**

Alchemist ft Kid Cudi, Evidence, & Blu: "Therapy"

Yikes!!! This mufu*a is a certified banger. How can you lose with that vintage Alchemist sound featuring Cleveland's own shooting star???... You cant! (Dont forget to check for Cudi at the Grog Shop Nov 30th)
**RO**

Lil Kim ft T-Pain: "Download" (Computer Love)

Eh... I dont know... Its kinda like... Ahh!!! Screw it, This sh*t is wack B!!!
**RO**

Stocking Stuffer Alert: KidRobot Watch

I don't like watches but this is pretty hot!!! Definitely something to put on your Christmas wishlist.

KidRobot has teamed up with Nooka to release this special edition (only 150) Robot Head watch. Recession priced at $175, this watch is practically a steal!

If you look at the picture it has several rows. The first is hours 1-6 the second is hours 6-12 the third is minutes and the fourth is seconds. It also has a stopwatch and alarm.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER

**Sincerely Serious**

Single Ladies on SNL......Hilarious!

Okay so I know everyone else is posting this but I had to do it. This is by far the funniest thing ever! I saw this on live TV on Saturday and was dying out. Justin is just too much.This is exactly why SNL is WAAAAY better than MadTV...period. Enjoy!
♥ CaLifoRniA LuV

Kanye West-Half Price

So usually it isn't my job to post the music but I have been looking for this song since I freakin lost it! Ye used this beat one of Lil Kim's best albums La Bella Mafia, and i guess he figured it was so cold that he had to flip it himself. The only thing is when he flipped it, he absolutely KILLED it! omg.....Ro and I been lookin for this forever so this post is actually dedicated to him....SURPRISE!!!
♥CaLiForNia LuV

Project Pat ft O.J. & Three 6 Mafia: "Keep it Hood"

NICE!!! This joint has that vintage 3-6 sound to it that's been missing from this camp for a while now. Their music just hasn't been the same since "The Man" decided to be funny & give these guys an oscar & make MTV give em there own minstrel show...
**RO**

T-Pain: "Cant Believe it/Chopped & Screwed" (Jimmy Kimmel performance)

I dont know if Im just being desensitized to the level of strangeness that this guy brings in his stage show but I gotta admit, this performance is super dope. Needless to say, everyone's favorite weirdo is absolutely killin em right now!
**RO**

Kanye West spits heartfelt free-style in London...

I would venture to say that it is damn near impossible to watch this guy bare his soul in freestyle form & not be totally enthralled in the presentation of his reality...
**RO**

Weezy F :"Streets Made Me"

UH-OH!!! I think Wayne is BACK!!! (But Unfortunately I just got wind that the long awaited Dedication 3 which drops tomorrow features Weezy singing all over the mixtape but we'll see..."
**RO**

88 Keys: "True Feelings"

Here is a nice track that was featured on the "Death of Adam" mixtape but it didnt make the album. The video is different from anything you would normally see on 106 & park, but its still a great look with dope imagery so enjoy...
**RO**

Remember This?? Usher with Beyonce performing "Bad Girl"

Sooo we all know Confessions is by far one of the greatest R&B albums of all time. But do ya'll remember the HBO special that Usher did when he taped his concert in Puerto Rico and he had all these celebs come out? Well for some reason, this weekend I could not get the performance of "Bad Girl" with Ms. Carter out my head! I loved it! So, I figured I'd reminisce with the rest of the PotLuck fam...Enjoy!
♥ CaLiforNia LuV

Kanye West ft. Young Jeezy- Amazin'

I cannot freakin' WAIT! I was watching MTV today, and they had an interview when he was on TRL and went off in typical Kanye fashion. But THIS is why the man talks shit! He backs it up 185% of it! *sigh*
♥ CaLiforNia LuV

T-Pain ft Justin Timberlake: " I Cant Believe It" (Remix)

I for one did not see this collabo coming, but this is some good music right here... & Yes, JT is definitely using auto-tune! I guess that sh*t is contagious. LOL!
**RO**

88-Keys: "Aww Man"

This is just one of the many bangers off of "Death of Adam", the latest LP from one of "G.O.O.D. music's all-stars Mr. 88-Keys. His production is very College Dropout Esque & his flow in this joint kinda reminds me of Ye's flow in "We are the Champions"... "Im headed to Sleepsville, he's goin to Smallville, although this super-man can get it poppin like Orville"... Classic Line! LOL! Fat-Shouts to the blue pill... LOL!
**RO**

Kanye West ft R-Kelly: "Love Lockdown" (remix)

Thank you for flying Varsity Squad airlines... We are now boarding flight number 808 to Jam-Towne USA!!!!
**RO**

Welcome Home.....Barack and Michelle!

The Burning Bushes met with the new First Family today at the White House. Reporters stated that Obama and Bush had their first meeting in the Oval Office today, without any outside delegates or elected and former cabinet members. Michelle and Laura spent the day exploring the house,the rooms for the children, the dining area and other components. Michelle was probably tryna figure out where to put that big ass pot of GREENS on Inauguration Day! LOL! I love it man.......Yes We DID!
♥CaLiForNia LuV

Kanye West-"Heartless" Official Video (tenatively)

Although I do think this isn't the official video just yet, I still love it! It kind of reminds me of the same animation they used in "Bebe's Kids", only its Kanye West.....No? Eh..You guys get what I'm saying if you've seen the movie. Nevertheless this video is dope! Great 1 Ye!
♥CaLiforNia LuV

New Development: T-Wayne coming to a city near you!

The Ringleader man announced on 106&Park today that it was just confirmed before he came on the show, that supergroup T-Wayne, will be going on an 8-Week tour sometime very soon. He also mentioned to tune in to 106 tomorrow, as he will be back to discuss the details. From this announcement I assume a couple different things, 1) Lil Wayne may possibly be on 106 tomorrow, 2)T-Wayne will be coming out with an album (or promo single)sometime before the tour, and 3)This will not begin until next year.
Man, I love 4th quarter in the industry. So many exciting things to look forward to! Make sure ya'll watch 106&Park @ 7pm tomorrow to get all of the info.
♥ CaLifOrniA LuV

New Development: John Legend and Raphael Saadiq Coming to a city near you!

When I was listening to the radio in NYC this weekend, the DJ announced that John Legend's opening act on his short-promotion tour would be none other than PotLuck's favorite R&B Dude, Raphael Saadiq! Once the tour wraps in the United States, the two soulstars are headed overseas to conduct another tour before the close of the year. I can't wait for this!!! To top it all off, they're coming to DC! WooHoo (Corny, I know. But I'm oober Excited, lol!)For your viewing pleasure, here are the dates:
Nov. 19: Minneapolis (Northrop Auditorium)
Nov. 20: Chicago (Chicago Theatre)
Nov. 24: E. Lansing, Mich. (Wharton Center For Performing Arts)
Nov. 26: Detroit (Masonic Temple Theatre)
Nov. 28: Toronto (Roy Thompson Hall)
Nov. 29, Dec. 1: Montclair, N.J. (Wellmont Theatre)
Dec. 2: Boston (Orpheum Theatre)
Dec. 5: Philadelphia (Tower Theater)
Dec. 8: Baltimore (Lyric Theatre)
Dec. 9: Washington, D.C. (Constitution Hall)
Dec. 10: Greenville, S.C. (Peace Center)
Dec. 12: Charlotte, N.C. (Ovens Auditorium)
Dec. 13: Durham, N.C. (Durham Performing Arts Center)
♥CaLiForNiA LuV

Kanye West x Kid Cudi "Any Way"

XXL just released Kanye West's "Any Way" featuring Cleveland's own Kid Cudi CLICK HERE to listen.

**Sincerely Serious**

Beyonce: "Diva" & "Video Phone"

SHEESH!!!!!! Both of these joints are incredibly craaaazzzzzyyyyyy!!! & Im willing to bet eleventy-million dollars that Bangladesh aka "Mr. A Milli" produced both of em too.. (Ive heard the entire Sasha Fierce album & unfortunately these two are the only two of the sort) Ce-Ce's entire album mirrors the sound of "If I were a Boy" which is cool but not my cup of tea...
**RO**

Video Phone



Diva

T-Pain: "Keep Going" (No Autotune?)

Ive never heard anything of this calliber from T-Pain but nonetheless its still an absolute jammer. There is just one problem... I cant figure out if hes talking about his kids, the haters, strippers, or drugs...
**RO**

Kanye West: 808 & Heartbreaks Press Conference

This dude just exuberates passion about his art to the point where you have no choice but to feel what he says in interviews & on wax. Sidenote: November 25th is taking waaay too long...
**RO**

Soulja Boy: "Bird Walk"

The homey SB is back with another one that is sure to make you "YOOOOUUUULLLLLL!!!" LOL!!!! What? (eff yall, I thought it was funny!) "S-O-U-L-J-A. BEEZY!"
**RO**

Gnarles Barkley: "Mystery Man"

Im gonna be honest... These cats havin done much to impress me since the last album but I may be on an island alone. This joint doesnt really move me either but its different, so hey why not...
**RO**

Jay Z: "History" (full version)

This guy is amazing...
**RO**

Weekend Recap : New Music Seminar

Your Girl hit up the New Music Seminar last Saturday before Potluck and was NOT disappointed...definitely yet ANOTHER event Cleveland slept on!

The 1st Annual New Music Seminar took place last Saturday at the Crowne Plaza in Downtown Cleveland. Although met with mass skepticism locally, singers, rappers, producers, and DJs from Philly to Florida packed the event. Organized by no stranger to the Cleveland scene, Tone Capone, the Seminar was professional, well organized, and went off without incident.
The day began with opening remarks and then lead into a series of panel discussions and workshops throughout the day.

The best panels and workshops in my opinion were.

• Getting Your Music on The Radio
• Licensing Your Music for Movies, TV, & Video Games
• How to Prepare and Package Yourself for the Industry

These panels were lead by radio programming directors from Sirius Satellite, XM Radio, Z1079, experts on publicity from AOL, AllHipHop.com, music managers from video game giants like Konami, and more. The amount of power in that one place was mind blowing.

Sidenote: This may have been the definitive feature of the New Music Seminar. If you have been to other conferences you know that the panelists are usually far away, inaccessible, and really not trying to hear ish you have to say. The NMS preached the importance of hustle and garnered opportunities for up and coming artists to have REAL connections with decision makers. Not flunkies, not interns, but people who are shaping the industry as we know it. DUDE, Lenny S was there!!! The Gomez Brothers were there! And I don’t just mean I saw them in passing, I had the opportunity to really build and network with these people. This aspect alone makes the NMS a standout among its competitors. (More on this concept later)

The highlight of the morning for attendees seemed to be the one on one listening sessions with A&Rs. Artists were able to meet with A&Rs from Jive and Atlantic, to Interscope and Def Jam depending on the type and genre of music. They were given immediate feedback and most importantly the opportunity to network face to face with people who had the power to sign them.

After speaking with Anthony Rich (Director of A&R for Jive), Sterling Brim (Director of A&R for Songbook Ent/ Atlantic), Reggie Hawkins (Formats Manager at Sirius Satellite), Vaughn J (MTV2), and Pam Jones (PR Director of Warner Brothers) here are a few common mistakes artists make when trying to get signed.

• Handing Someone A CD with a Label Written in Sharpie – hands down people step up your game, if you don’t care enough to invest in yourself they sure as hell won’t
• Handing Someone a CD - Do you think they have a discman? Really? Step your game up and move into the digital era. Jumpdrives my friend jumpdrives
• Cheap Production/ Engineering, ETC- Once again invest in yourself so that you can present a quality product. You only have one shot to make a first impression
• Being Someone Your Not – Don’t give someone a CD of you sounding like Jeezy, JayZ, or Weezy, etc, THEY DON”T NEED A COPY OF SOMEONE ALREADY OUT, they are looking for something different, so be yourself!
• Rep Your City- Radio and Industry are looking for new hot spots. Make where you are from unique. If phrases, dances, etc are popular in your city or your region don’t be afraid to show why your city is the ish…i.e. “Bitch I’m From Cleveland”
• Failing to Quantify Your Buzz- if you can’t tell a music rep how many hits your myspace gets, how many downloads your song has gotten, etc they aren’t likely to believe you when you tell them you are the hottest thing out…back your claim up with solid facts!

The day came to a close with a battle of the bands in which the winner ( a rock band named Stasis) was awarded a producing and publishing deal from Amalgam Digital ( The home of Joe Budden and Hip Hops first digital music distributor). Afterwards Various A&Rs went to dinner with attendees (my homegirl went to dinner with Sickamore (Atlantic), Gaby Acevedo (Universal Motown), and Steve Raze (AllHipHop.com)) and then headed over to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for more performances and networking.

Hands down this was a stellar event. Other music conferences need to step up their fresh in a major way. The New Music Seminar has taken all the flaws of other music conferences and used it to make this event official. Although the inaugural event, the NMS showed no signs of being a freshman in the game. My hat goes off to them, the industry participants, attendees, and sponsors for making this event a success.

**Sincerely Serious**